Tirupati police gear up for ‘Garuda Seva’ rush, impose traffic curbs

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Tirupati is bracing for a major influx of pilgrims for the ‘Garuda Vahana Seva’ in Tirumala on Saturday, with the district police rolling out an extensive security and traffic management plan to ensure the smooth movement of devotees and vehicles during the high-footfall event.

The arrangements, drawn up in coordination with the district administration, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), vigilance wing, APSRTC and other departments, include traffic diversions, designated parking zones and dedicated transport to Tirumala.

Private vehicles will face restrictions, with devotees advised to opt for APSRTC buses and TTD vehicles. Dedicated parking facilities have been created for two-wheelers, four-wheelers and tourist buses at multiple locations in Tirupati. APSRTC buses will ferry pilgrims from these parking areas to Tirumala, with services available round the clock.

Two-wheelers will not be permitted on the Tirupati-Tirumala ghat road from 9 p.m. on Friday to 6 a.m. on Sunday. Parking for two-wheelers has been arranged at Balaji Link Bus Stand, Nehru Municipal Ground, SV Medical College Ground and ISKCON Ground.

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

Traffic diversions will be enforced for buses entering Tirupati from Chittoor-Madanapalle, Chennai-Puttur and Kadapa-Srikalahasti routes. Special arrangements have also been made to ensure unhindered movement of ambulances, fire engines and other emergency vehicles.

District Superintendent of Police L Subbarayudu urges devotees to follow the restrictions and traffic advisories, and cooperate with the police to ensure the safe and orderly conduct of Garuda Seva.

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