14,508 bus services announced after widespread chaos at terminuses

Chennai: After many struggled to leave the city to cast votes, the transport department on Friday announced 14,508 buses, including special services, to help passengers return to Chennai and travel to other towns over the weekend. This was 4,339 services in addition to the 10,169 buses operated for the outbound rush between April 21 and 23.The announcement came after widespread complaints over the chaos at city bus terminuses, when inadequate services left hundreds stranded and uncertain of reaching home in time to vote. Despite the additional buses, many fear the journey back to city could be just as chaotic."I will go to the bus stand early in the morning so I can catch the first bus. But after seeing videos of people waiting for hours at Kilambakkam bus terminus, I'm worried if I will get back to Chennai in time on Monday," said C Karthik, a college student from Ariyalur.Some have postponed their return journey altogether, worried about traffic congestion at the city's entry points and another round of overcrowded buses. "It took me six hours just to get out of Chennai and more than half a day to reach home. I decided to work from home and return next week," said H Chandran of Ramanathapuram.On April 22 night and next day morning, chaos prevailed at Kilambakkam and Koyambedu bus terminuses as passengers struggled to find buses despite the govt's promise of special services. Several commuters ended up clinging to trucks, sharing rides with strangers or paying heavy fares for last-minute private transport just to make it home. Others gave up and returned without boarding a bus.For the return rush, the transport department said 1,295 additional buses and 2,500 special buses will be operated along with 2,092 regular services on April 25. On April 26, another 3,184 special buses to Chennai and 3,345 special buses to other destinations will be run in addition to the regular services.
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