A large number of passengers planning to travel to their hometowns to cast votes remained stranded at Chennai’s Kilambakkam and Koyambedu Bus Terminus on Thursday morning due to shortage of buses, triggering widespread frustration and backlash on polling day.
Stranded commuters took to social media to express anger, accusing the State government of failing to provide adequate transport services. Many recorded on social media that they had reached the bus stand on Wednesday night hoping to catch a bus, but were left waiting till the early hours of Thursday morning.
traffic block
Adding to their woes was the complete traffic block due to large-scale movement of people out of the city. Heavy traffic congestion was witnessed on GST Road due to increased vehicle movement leading to delays.
These reports prompted the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) to petition the EC to extend the polling time by a couple of hours. TVK and All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam also accused the government of mismanagement.
State transport authorities, however, defended their arrangements. According to officials, between April 21 and April 23 (till 1 pm), a total of 10,637 buses, including 5,092 regular services and 5,545 special services, were operated, facilitating travel for around 6.26 lakh passengers. Private bus operators businessline spoke to attributed the surge in demand to the long weekend. They denied allegations of fare hikes despite the heavy rush.
Aadhav Arjuna, Villivakkam candidate and General Secretary of Campaign Management for TVK, alleged a lack of planning and execution by the Transport Department. He further claimed that transport services were being deliberately curtailed, demanding an inquiry and action against officials.
TVK founder Joseph Vijay wrote to the Election Commission, seeking urgent intervention to deploy emergency transport for stranded voters. In his letter, he termed the situation a “complete transport paralysis”, and warned that it could amount to disenfranchisement, violating citizens’ fundamental right to vote under Article 324.
Meanwhile, VK Sasikala of AIPTMMK claimed that thousands of passengers were struggling without access to buses or even basic amenities like drinking water. She alleged that similar disruptions were reported across the State, including road blockades in Dindigul due to lack of transport.
The developments have intensified scrutiny over transport planning during elections, with opposition voices warning that logistical lapses could impact conduct of free and fair polls.
Published on April 23, 2026