TTD, Tirupati police review security and crowd management measures

Tirupati: In response to a massive surge in pilgrim footfall driven by the ongoing summer vacations, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and the Tirupati district police dept reviewed the security and crowd management protocols in place to ensure a hassle-free pilgrimage for the devotees.With Tirumala currently witnessing an influx of close to 90,000 pilgrims daily, TTD Additional EO Ch Venkaiah Chowdary, Tirupati SP L Subbarayudu and TTD Chief vigilance and security officer KV Murali Krishna inspected various high-pilgrim-congregation points in Tirupati on Saturday.The meeting centred on aligning multi-departmental efforts to handle dense crowds, regulate major traffic corridors, and scale up vigilance around crucial transit spots across both Tirupati and the Tirumala hills.To maintain strict, round-the-clock surveillance, the district police have activated dedicated command control rooms at vital entry points, including the Tirupati Railway Station, the central bus station, and the Vishnu Nivasam pilgrim amenities complex. This physical monitoring is being supported by advanced drone surveillance deployed over high-congestion zones to evaluate crowd patterns in real time.Additionally, a heavy contingent of extra police personnel has been stationed throughout Tirumala to regulate the moving queues and manage public safety.Alongside crowd control, the district administration has executed a comprehensive road clearance drive around major bottlenecks, including the highly frequented Garuda and Nandi Circles.Tirupati SP issued a stern warning against unfair trade practices targeting tourists, stating that any auto-rickshaw drivers caught misleading or cheating pilgrims would face immediate vehicle seizure and criminal prosecution. Highlighting that the local transport economy thrives primarily due to incoming devotees, the administration urged auto unions to act responsibly to protect the reputation of the holy city.