Tamil Nadu Diwali Alert: Heavy Traffic and Festive Frenzy Sweep Cities

Diwali Rush: Tamil Nadu Faces Traffic Jams, Holiday Declared

As Diwali nears, Tamil Nadu is grappling with massive traffic jams as thousands head to their hometowns to celebrate the festival, set for Monday, October 20, 2025. The Tamil Nadu government has declared a holiday on October 21, delighting residents but intensifying travel chaos across Chennai and other cities. On Friday evening, October 17, major roads like Tambaram GST and Chennai-Poonamallee highway saw vehicles crawling, while railway stations and bus terminals overflowed with passengers. The festive rush, coupled with Diwali shopping, has brought Tamil Nadu’s transport networks to a standstill.

The government’s decision to declare a holiday the day after Diwali has sparked joy among residents, allowing extended celebrations with family. However, the mass exodus from Chennai to southern districts like Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tirunelveli has led to unprecedented congestion. Authorities have implemented measures like diverting heavy vehicles and managing toll plazas, but complaints about inflated Omni bus fares have added to travelers’ woes. The festive spirit remains strong, with cultural events and bustling shopping streets like Ranganathan Street in Chennai adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

Traffic Congestion Grips Chennai

Chennai, Tamil Nadu’s bustling capital, witnessed severe traffic snarls on October 17 as residents began their journey to hometowns for Diwali. Major routes like the Tambaram GST road and Chennai-Poonamallee highway were choked with vehicles, including buses, cars, and two-wheelers. Aerial footage revealed long lines of vehicles stretching as far as the eye could see, with congestion causing significant delays. To manage the influx, authorities diverted heavy vehicles from Singaperumalkovil via Oragadam, resulting in a 3 km queue of vehicles in some areas.

The Paranur toll plaza, however, remained relatively congestion-free due to a dedicated lane for two-wheelers and the presence of traffic police managing the flow. Despite these efforts, commuters expressed frustration over delays, with some reporting hours spent in traffic. The heavy traffic reflects the enthusiasm for Diwali, as families prioritize reuniting with loved ones for the festival of lights. Authorities are urging patience and advising travelers to plan their journeys carefully to avoid peak congestion hours.

Overcrowded Railway Stations and Bus Terminals

Chennai’s Central and Egmore railway stations were overwhelmed with passengers heading to southern districts like Madurai and Tirunelveli. Trains passing through Tambaram saw massive crowds, with many travelers struggling to board packed coaches. Similarly, the Chennai Glamappakkam bus stand was overflowing, with commuters waiting for buses to various destinations. To ease the wait, a musical performance organized for passengers at the bus stand drew significant attention, adding a festive touch amid the chaos.

In Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu’s second-largest city, the Singanallur bus stand was equally crowded, with buses operating to southern districts. The influx of travelers from Bengaluru, where many Tamils work, caused traffic jams along the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border, particularly from Jujuwadi to Hosur. The congestion highlights the scale of the Diwali migration, as millions across Tamil Nadu and beyond travel to celebrate with family, underscoring the festival’s cultural significance.

Government Holiday Declaration

The Tamil Nadu government’s announcement of a holiday on October 21, the day after Diwali, has been warmly welcomed by residents. This holiday applies to all government offices, public sector undertakings, schools, and colleges, allowing families to extend their celebrations. To compensate, October 25, 2025, has been declared a working day. The decision reflects the government’s recognition of Diwali’s importance and aims to facilitate family gatherings during the festive season, boosting public morale despite the travel challenges.

The holiday declaration has further fueled the travel rush, as many residents took advantage of the extended weekend to visit their hometowns. Minister Sivashankar’s inspection of the Glamappakkam bus stand on Friday night highlighted the government’s efforts to monitor and manage the festive travel surge. Authorities are working to ensure that transportation services run smoothly, with additional buses and trains deployed to accommodate the unprecedented demand during the Diwali season.

Complaints Over Omni Bus Fares

A significant point of contention during the Diwali travel rush has been the inflated fares charged by Omni bus operators. Commuters traveling from Chennai to cities like Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tirunelveli reported steep price hikes, with some fares doubling compared to regular rates. The public expressed shock and frustration on platforms like X, calling for government intervention to regulate fares during the festive season. These complaints highlight the economic strain faced by travelers amid the festive rush.

The Tamil Nadu government has acknowledged these concerns and is exploring measures to address fare hikes by private bus operators. Authorities have urged commuters to book tickets through regulated platforms and report exorbitant charges. The issue of inflated fares underscores the broader challenges of managing transportation during peak festive periods, as demand far exceeds supply, leaving travelers vulnerable to price gouging.

Diwali Shopping and Festive Spirit

Alongside the travel rush, Diwali shopping has reached a fever pitch across Tamil Nadu. Ranganathan Street in Chennai’s Thyagarayanagar was packed with shoppers purchasing clothes, sweets, and fireworks, creating a vibrant festive atmosphere. The bustling markets reflect the cultural significance of Diwali, as families prepare for the festival with enthusiasm. However, the heavy crowds have added to the strain on urban infrastructure, with traffic congestion exacerbating challenges in commercial areas.

In Coimbatore and other cities, shopping districts reported similar crowds, with retailers offering special Diwali discounts to attract customers. The combination of travel and shopping has stretched local resources, prompting authorities to deploy additional police and traffic personnel to manage crowds and ensure safety. Despite the challenges, the festive spirit remains undampened, with communities coming together to celebrate Diwali with lights, sweets, and shared traditions.

Regional Impact and Border Congestion

The Diwali travel rush has also impacted Tamil Nadu’s neighboring regions, particularly along the border with Karnataka. The influx of Tamils working in Bengaluru led to significant traffic jams from Jujuwadi to Hosur, with vehicles moving slowly due to the high volume of travelers. This cross-border movement highlights the deep cultural ties that drive Diwali travel, as families reunite across state lines to celebrate the festival together.

Authorities in both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are coordinating to manage the border congestion, with additional checkpoints and traffic personnel deployed to streamline vehicle movement. The situation underscores the need for improved regional transportation infrastructure to handle peak travel periods like Diwali, as millions move between urban centers and rural hometowns to partake in the festivities.

Government and Community Response

The Tamil Nadu government’s proactive measures, including the holiday declaration and traffic management, have been praised for supporting the festive spirit. Minister Sivashankar’s inspection of the Glamappakkam bus stand reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring safe and efficient travel during Diwali. Community organizations are also playing a role, organizing events like the musical performance at the bus stand to keep travelers entertained amid the chaos.

On social media platforms like X, residents have shared both excitement about the holiday and frustration over traffic and fare issues. Community leaders are encouraging travelers to plan their journeys in advance, use public transport where possible, and stay updated on traffic advisories. The collective response reflects Tamil Nadu’s resilience and adaptability, as the state navigates the challenges of a busy festive season.

Navigating the Diwali Rush

The Diwali travel rush has tested Tamil Nadu’s transportation infrastructure, with traffic jams and crowded terminals highlighting the scale of the festive migration. The government’s holiday declaration has amplified the excitement, but it has also intensified the pressure on roads, railways, and bus services. Authorities are working tirelessly to manage the situation, with measures like vehicle diversions and increased policing helping to alleviate some of the congestion.

As Tamil Nadu prepares for Diwali, the focus remains on balancing celebration with practicality. Residents are adapting to the challenges, finding joy in the festive spirit despite traffic woes and fare hikes. The government’s efforts, combined with community resilience, ensure that Diwali remains a time of unity and celebration, even as the state navigates the logistical challenges of one of its busiest seasons.