Traffic restrictions, barricades choke Tirumala devotees

Tirupati: Scores of pilgrims, who had gathered in large numbers to witness the Garuda Vahanam procession, found themselves caught in a web of confusion. They had to struggle for accessing the viewing galleries near the Tirumala temple.

The day began with devotees thronging the entry gates leading to the galleries on the four mada streets, which surround the Tirumala temple. These galleries offer prime spots to view the Garuda Seva procession.

However, despite the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) making arrangements and Tirupati district police providing security, pilgrims had to dart from one entry point to another in a desperate bid for gaining access to galleries.

Tensions ran high at a few entry points, with arguments between security personnel and frustrated pilgrims unable to access the galleries. Many unlucky pilgrims could not enter the galleries, as they had already reached their capacity of nearly 2 lakh by the evening.

Traffic situation too upset the pilgrims. Tirupati police issued passes to four-wheelers traveling up to Tirumala at various highway points. However, available parking lots in Tirumala quickly reached their maximum capacity of 15,000 vehicles. This led to private vehicles not being allowed beyond Alipiri checkpoint. Devotees had no choice but to park their vehicles at locations such as Devlok and other establishments near Alipiri. From there, they had to take APSRTC buses to reach Tirumala.