Over 20 temporary bus termini to be set up in Tiruvannamalai for Chitra Pournamai
Over 20 temporary bus termini will be set up on the outskirts of Tiruvannamalai town for Chitra Pournami, to be held on May 11 and 12.
Accompanied by Tiruvannamalai SP M. Sudhakar, Collector K. Tharpagaraj inspected Mada Streets around Arunachaleswara temple as part of the preparations for the festival. Officials of the State Highways, which has identified encroachments on key stretches around the temple, said there had been a steady rise in pilgrims visiting the temple during the festival.
Around 25 lakh-30 lakh visitors are expected to attend the festival. 'Tourist vehicles will not be allowed to enter the town during the festival to allow visitors to walk safely. Free shuttle services from the temporary bus termini to the temple will be arranged,' Mr. Tharpagaraj said.
A total of 2,500 buses will be operated to Tiruvannamalai town from various parts of the State, including Chennai, Vellore, Ranipet, Madurai, Salem, Tiruchi, and Coimbatore. In the Vellore transport division alone, around 250 buses will be operated to the temple town.
Southern Railway will operate special trains for the festival. 'During the festival, the 14-km-long Girivalam path will have adequate health help desks and medical camps for visitors. Sanitation workers from the Tiruvannamalai Corporation and panchayats will be roped in to ensure cleanliness of the town,' the Collector said. '
In terms of security arrangements, around 5,000 police personnel including two DIGs and 10 SPs will be deployed, with watch towers at key intersections and public places.
Letters from VVIPs for special VIP darshan will not be accepted. The ₹50 special darshan ticket will be cancelled for the festival. In other words, all devotees will get free darshan during the festival.
Special queues will be set up for senior citizens and pregnant women. Battery-run vehicles will be operated for the benefit of persons with disabilities, who will also be given special entry.
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