400 omni buses fined for overcharging customers during festival rush

People throng the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) in Kilambakkam to leave for their hometowns. (File photo) | Photo Credit: VELANKANNI RAJ B Traffic piled up from Perungalathur and Vandalur through Kilambakkam and Guduvanchery up to the Paranur toll plaza in the late hours of Friday as thousands of families from Chennai and its surrounding areas headed to their hometowns by the GST road ahead of holidays for Vinayaka Chaturthi (September 14)A press release from the Transport Department said that it had made arrangements to operate 2,354 buses from the Kilambakkam bus terminus, including 1,099 regular services and 1,255 special buses. Of these, 2,213 buses were operated to various districts on the night of September 11 (Friday) based on passenger demand. Of the 141 buses kept in reserve, 41 have since been deployed from the morning of September 12 (Saturday). Special inspection teams comprising Regional Transport Officers and Motor Vehicle Inspectors were formed across Tamil Nadu following complaints of overcharging by some omni bus operators.Between Thursday and the early hours of Saturday, officials inspected 2,379 omni buses and verified fares directly with passengers. They also initiated action to refund excess fares wherever overcharging was detected.The Transport Department said it found violations in 400 buses. The department also served inspection reports, e-challans, and notices seeking explanations to the operators. It also imposed a compounding fee of ₹10.31 lakh, of which ₹1.60 lakh has been collected. Officials also collected ₹15.33 lakh in taxes due from omni buses registered in other States but operating in Tamil Nadu.Four inter-State omni buses operating without valid fitness certificates and payment of road tax were detained. Alternative buses were arranged for their passengers to ensure they reached their destinations without inconvenience.Special vehicle inspections will continue across the State until September 16 to prevent overcharging and curb violations relating to permits, taxes, fitness certificates and other requirements. The Transport Department said, “Omni bus operators cancelling online tickets must arrange alternative transport for affected passengers. Failure to do so will invite action against their permits.”From September 10 to 16, Transport Corporation General Managers and Deputy Managers will continuously monitor operations at the Kilambakkam terminus. Major bus stations across the State are also being monitored, with additional government special buses to be deployed based on passenger demand.The Transport Department Secretary and Commissioner of Transport and Road Safety are coordinating and monitoring the arrangements and reviewing the situation continuously. However, public complained of delay in operation of government run buses to Mayiladuthurai and Kumbakonam from Kilambakkam. Published - September 12, 2026 08:12 pm IST