Chennai sources have reported that the state run buses were back on roads in Tamil Nadu as employee unions withdrew their strike after eight days. The officials of the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) claimed to have operated 100% fleet on Friday. Sources said more than 50% of the fleet was operational from 8 pm on Thursday itself.
Meanwhile the Pongal eve stir had caused hardship to thousands of long-distance passengers planning to travel to their hometowns during the festive season. With the strike being called off and the sudden declaration of a holiday to schools and colleges by the government, Koyambedu, Anna Nagar, Poonamallee, Saidapet and Tambaram bus depots were busy with outstation passengers thronging to reach their native towns.
Further special reservation counters, supposed to be
open on Wednesday, were finally inaugurated on Friday and additional services
have started ferrying people leaving the city for the festival.
