More ticket counters at CMBT for festival bookings

State-run transport corporations, in coordination with the police, have geared up to enable hassle-free travelling for commuters heading home for Deepavali.

While the police will monitor the crowds with binoculars from vantage points, the transport department has set up additional counters at Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) to cope with ticket-booking rush.

25 counters, in addition to the nine existing ones, have been opened. Special buses will be operated till October 27. Last year, over 18,000 services were operated from Chennai and other districts during Deepavali.

An estimated 9 lakh commuters availed of the service, and the number is expected to increase this year, said officials.

This year, so far, nearly two lakh advance online reservations have been made.

Transport corporation officials ensure there are enough buses to accommodate the holiday rush. Five platforms have been allocated for buses to cater to commuters who have not made advance bookings. `

“Passengers will not have to run behind buses. They can get a token from the counter with the bus and seat number. This will avoid confusion,” said a senior official.

Meanwhile, over 600 police personnel will be deployed for ‘bandobast’ duty. A mini control room will be set up at CMBT to attend to passenger complaints,” said a senior police officer.

“Policemen will also be posted at every bus platform in the terminus,” he said.