Tamil Nadu transport updates: Mini-bus strike avoided and special holiday services announced

The Tamil Nadu Mini Bus Owners Federation has announced that mini-buses will continue to operate normally on Wednesday, despite a one-day token strike scheduled by the Federation of Tamil Nadu Private Bus Owners’ Associations. The strike is a response to the state government's plan to expand and rename the ‘Magalir Payanam’ free travel scheme for women to ‘Vetri Payanam’ starting October 2. Private bus operators have expressed concerns regarding the impact on their business and are demanding increased fares or the extension of free travel facilities to private buses.

In response to the upcoming Gandhi Jayanti holidays and weekend, the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) will operate additional special buses from October 1 to 4. To accommodate high passenger demand, thousands of services will be deployed from major termini, including Kilambakkam, Koyambedu, and Madhavaram, connecting various districts and cities such as Bengaluru, Madurai, and Coimbatore.

Additionally, scheduled power maintenance will cause electricity supply suspensions in several Chennai neighborhoods, including Velachery, Porur, Ramapuram, and Taramani, on September 30 and October 1.