Diwali Precautionary Measures and Special Arrangements at Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus, Kilambakkam

What the document covers

The Tamil Nadu Government press release dated 27 October 2024 describes temporary bus, parking, passenger welfare and traffic arrangements for Diwali. The arrangements were reviewed at Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus in Kilambakkam under directions from the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.

The press release is relevant to passengers leaving Chennai, bus operators and motorists using roads around Kilambakkam. It contains no provision about property registration, planning permission, land classification, acquisition or ownership.

Bus operations and parking

The Tamil Nadu Transport Department expected 5 lakh passengers to travel from 28 October to 30 October. Services were to operate from Kilambakkam, Koyambedu and Madhavaram.

Key operational figures and parking arrangements include:

• 3,408 regular government buses and 4,250 special government buses.
• 2,000 omni buses.
• Separate parking areas at Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus for Madurai corporation buses, buses travelling through Nagercoil and Tirunelveli, buses travelling towards Coimbatore and Tiruppur, and omni buses.
• Additional reserve parking for buses if further services were required.
• Kumbakonam government transport corporation buses parked at Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur.
• Privately contracted vehicles parked at the Karasangal playground.
• Omni buses parked at the Maraimalai Nagar municipal ground.

Passenger facilities and safety

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority arranged basic facilities at the terminus and the additional parking locations. These included electricity, water, toilets, tables and chairs.

Other announced facilities include:

• Special Metropolitan Transport Corporation buses connecting city transport points with locations serving outward buses.
• Direction signs and public announcement facilities.
• A free medical centre and ambulance services.
• Seating for 2,000 passengers.
• Additional police personnel, security officers and sanitation workers.
• Five enquiry centres and helplines 7845700557, 7845727920 and 7845740924.
• Eight automated teller machines and 18 purified drinking water facilities.
• Three rooms for mothers to feed children.
• Prepaid auto and taxi booking facilities.

Guidance for motorists

The Tamil Nadu Transport Department asked the public to cooperate with traffic controls. People travelling in private vehicles were advised to use the Old Mahabalipuram Road and Thiruporur route to help reduce congestion within the city.