Tirupati Tightens Security and Traffic Curbs Ahead of Garuda Seva

Tirupati is preparing for a heavy rush of pilgrims expected at Tirumala for the Garuda Vahana Seva on Saturday, with the district police putting in place a broad security and traffic management plan to keep devotees and vehicles moving smoothly.

The arrangements were drawn up with the district administration, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), its vigilance wing, APSRTC and other departments. They include traffic diversions, earmarked parking areas and dedicated transport to Tirumala.

Private vehicles will be restricted, and pilgrims have been advised to use APSRTC buses and TTD vehicles instead. Separate parking has been arranged for two-wheelers, four-wheelers and tourist buses at several locations in Tirupati. APSRTC buses will carry pilgrims from these parking areas to Tirumala, with services running round the clock.

Two-wheelers will not be allowed on the Tirupati-Tirumala ghat road from 9 p.m. on Friday until 6 a.m. on Sunday. Two-wheeler parking has been set up at Balaji Link Bus Stand, Nehru Municipal Ground, SV Medical College Ground and ISKCON Ground.

Tourist buses will be parked at Devalok, Trident and Mango Market on Zoo Park Road. Four-wheelers can be parked at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Alipiri Link Bus Stand, SV Medical College Ground and SV Engineering College Ground.

Diversions will apply to buses entering Tirupati from the Chittoor-Madanapalle, Chennai-Puttur and Kadapa-Srikalahasti routes. Special arrangements have also been made to ensure ambulances, fire engines and other emergency vehicles face no obstruction.

District Superintendent of Police L Subbarayudu has asked devotees to follow the restrictions and traffic advisories and to cooperate with the police for the safe and orderly conduct of Garuda Seva.