Tirumala is bracing for an intense pilgrim rush for Saturday’s Garuda Vahana Seva, with police and TTD authorities mounting a multi-layered security, crowd-control and traffic management operation to ensure the smooth and safe movement of devotees during the high-footfall event.
Anantapur Range IG Shimushi Bajpai, Tirupati Superintendent of Police L. Subbarayudu and TTD Chief Vigilance and Security Officer K.V. Muralikrishna reviewed the arrangements on Friday, and directed personnel to remain on heightened alert, particularly at identified crowd-pressure points.
Officials said Saturday, the Tamil Purattasi month, and free bus services could trigger a substantial surge in footfalls. Personnel were directed to anticipate crowd build-up and initiate preventive measures rather than wait for pressure to escalate, with special focus on the mada streets, galleries, queue lines, GNC, Ramabagicha, Ragimanu and Lepakshi.
Access to the mada streets will be regulated through layered inner and outer cordons and designated feeder channels once the galleries reach capacity. Additional forces and rope parties will be deployed at pressure points, including Bedi Anjaneyaswamy Temple, Pancha Janyam, T-junction and Lepakshi, for swift intervention.
Traffic management has been accorded priority. Once parking facilities on Tirumala are filled, vehicles will be diverted to designated alternative areas. Private vehicles will be parked at identified facilities in Tirupati, from where RTC buses will ferry pilgrims to GNC and onward to Tirumala through free shuttle services. Two-wheeler movement will also be closely monitored, with night-time diversions and alternative parking arrangements to be introduced if required.
Authorities will use command-control rooms, CCTV cameras, drones and dedicated wireless communication systems for round-the-clock surveillance. Special coordination channels linking the police, TTD vigilance, RTC and other departments will facilitate rapid information exchange and emergency response.
Officials have also directed personnel to monitor pedestrian routes with signage and public announcements and remain alert to incidents involving missing children, elderly pilgrims and medical emergencies.
Senior officers have been asked to maintain a ground-level presence and coordinate across sectors to prevent crowd pressure from spilling over into adjoining areas. Personnel were also instructed to maintain discipline and deal with devotees courteously, patiently and with a service-oriented approach.
Published – September 18, 2026 09:02 pm IST
