Tamil Nadu launches direct bus services from Vaikom to Chennai and Velankanni

Chennai: Tamil Nadu is set to introduce two direct Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) bus services connecting Chennai with Vaikom and Velankanni. The decision, inspired by a suggestion from Dravidar Kazhagam leader K Veeramani, aims to enhance travel options for those keen on exploring the historical and religious significance of Vaikom.

Transport Minister S S Sivasankar made the announcement during the 13th National Conference of the Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations. He highlighted that these services align with the centenary celebrations of the Vaikom Satyagraha, recently attended by the chief ministers of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

The daily service will operate to and from Vaikom, located in Kerala’s Kottayam district. The Vaikom-Chennai bus will depart at 3:30 PM, reaching Chennai by 8:00 AM the next day. The Chennai-Vaikom service will leave at 4:00 PM and arrive in Vaikom by 8:30 AM, providing seamless and comfortable travel for passengers.

In addition, the minister addressed complaints about inflated fares during festive seasons. He stated that the issue had been mitigated by regulating private buses under contract agreements. The omni-buses association has acknowledged its limited operations during such periods.

Sivasankar also announced the ongoing installation of GPS devices in government buses in Chennai, a project set to expand across Tamil Nadu. This initiative aims to improve public transportation through enhanced monitoring and efficient management.

The new bus services are expected to provide significant relief to passengers while boosting tourism and connectivity in the region.

(with agency inputs)