Many trains from Chennai and other destinations bound to southern districts were delayed due to widespread rain since Friday night. According to railway sources, the Chennai Egmore-Madurai Pandyan Express arrived here at 7.30 a.m., a delay of about 60 minutes.
Similarly, there was delay in the trains reaching Tirunelveli and Tuticorin as well from Chennai.
Mofusil buses and private omni buses plying on different routes/destinations too suffered delay due to rains. According to TNSTC and SETC officials, the buses arrived late by over two hours here on Saturday. Buses, which usually arrived at 5 a.m. from Chennai, reached here around 7 a.m.
Though the torrential rains had come as a blessing in disguise lowering the mercury levels, there is bad news as well. Many roads in the city and suburban pockets had been damaged. Potholes, which are filled with rainwater, led to freak accidents.
The stretches in Palanganatham, Arapalayam, Madura College, Kamarajar Salai were badly damaged and motorists complained that they were non-motorable.
Low-lying areas in and around Periyar bus stand were inundated and pockets like Old Mahaboobpalayam, Keerathurai and among others were in a bad shape, residents said. However, for shoppers and the large number of devotees witnessing the Chithirai festival celebrations was cheerful as the day was sunny, but pleasant in the evening.