Diwali return travel: Chennai roads quiet as crowds fill buses and trains leaving towns
What happened
Tamil news reports describe Chennai's roads looking deserted, while crowds packed trains and buses heading out of the city to other districts. Thanthi TV also reported people travelling towards Chennai through the Vikravandi toll plaza.
When it started
The Dinamani report, from its 9 November 2026 edition according to the link, says the crowds came after Diwali. The exact dates of the reported travel surges are not stated in the headlines.
How it spread
The reports are based on video and on-the-ground coverage by Polimer News, Thanthi TV and Dinamani. Their headlines give no official passenger or traffic figures.
Why it matters
The headlines point to the usual pattern of people leaving Chennai for festivals and returning afterwards, which causes heavy bus, train and highway traffic. The sources do not say whether authorities took specific measures.