Chennai witnessed severe commuter distress as an unexpected shortage of buses disrupted travel for voters trying to reach their native places for polling. With a large number of transport employees reportedly taking leave at the same time, services were not operated at the announced scale.
Authorities had earlier said that a total of 10,663 buses would be operated on April 21, 22 and 23, including 2,092 regular services from the Kilambakkam terminus and 5,574 special buses. However, passengers said the number of special buses did not match the heavy turnout.
More than 5 lakh people reportedly arrived at the Kilambakkam bus terminal between 8 pm on the previous night and 6 am, leading to overnight chaos as families waited for hours. The two-wheeler parking area overflowed, and many could not find space to park. Despite waiting through the night, thousands returned home without buses and said they could not cast their votes.
Transport workers said 30% to 40% of drivers and conductors who were expected to be on duty took leave, affecting government bus operations. City bus services in Chennai were also reduced after 10 am, forcing some passengers to spend extra on autos and call taxis to reach terminals. Similar complaints were reported from several towns across Tamil Nadu, including Cuddalore, Villupuram and Tiruppur.
