CHENNAI: For the benefit of the travelling public heading to their native places for Deepavalli, as many as 29 special ticket reservation counters have been opened in the city. While 26 counters are at the Central Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) in Koyembedu, two have been opened at the Anna Arignar Bus Terminus in Tambaram Sanatorium. Another one has been set up at Poonamallee bus stand.
A transport department official said the counters would be functioning till Friday. "Out of the 26 in Koyembedu, there are two separate counters, one each for women and senior citizens. Another separate counter is open for the differently-abled travellers," said the official, adding that information desks are available at CMBT for travel related enquiries. A helpline number 044-24794709 for travel queries or to register complaints regarding passenger facilities in buses has also been established.
A total of 11,225 buses will be operated from Chennai to all parts of the state during the Deepavali festival period October 26 - 28). As a temporary measure, during the three days, all buses bound for Andhra Pradesh would start from Anna Nagar West, while services to Kumbakonam and Thanjavur, via Tindivanam and Vikkravandy are scheduled to start from Tambaram Sanatorium. Buses to western destinations like Vellore, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur and Hosur would originate from Poonamalle.