Archive · 20 Jan 2026
Heavy Traffic as Millions Return to Chennai After Pongal
After celebrating Pongal, millions of people returned to Chennai on Sunday and Monday.
This caused very heavy traffic on the main road from Vikravandi to Chennai.
Many people took buses, trains, or drove their own cars.
The traffic was so bad that people couldn't reach work or school on time.
The police tried to help, but the roads were still very crowded.
Next year, a new railway station might help make things easier.
Millions of people returned to Chennai after Pongal, causing severe traffic congestion on the Chennai-Tiruchi national highway.
About 12 lakh people took buses, 5 lakh took trains, and many others used private cars or cargo vehicles.
Traffic snarls were reported at multiple locations, including Vikravandi, Mamandur, Pukkathurai, and Singaperumalkoil.
The Kilambakkam bus terminus was heavily crowded, with people changing to city buses, causing further delays.
The police made arrangements to reduce congestion, but the plans were overwhelmed by the massive return of people on the same day.
- Who
- Millions of people returning to Chennai after Pongal
- What
- Heavy traffic congestion on the Chennai-Tiruchi national highway
- When
- Sunday evening to Monday afternoon
- Where
- Chennai-Tiruchi national highway, particularly from Vikravandi to various suburban areas
- Why
- Massive return of people to Chennai after the Pongal holiday, with many leaving and returning on the same day
- Number of people returning by bus
- 12 lakh
- Number of people returning by train
- 5 lakh
- Traffic congestion locations
- Vikravandi, Mamandur, Pukkathurai, Singaperumalkoil, Urapakkam, Kilambakkam, Vandalur, Perungalathur, Irumbuliyur, Tambaram
- Duration of traffic chaos
- Sunday evening to Monday afternoon
- Expected completion of Kilambakkam railway station
- Next year's Pongal