Round-the-clock buses for Tirumala from April 15

He has instructed the Transport GM Sesha Reddy to negotiate with the APSRTC to operate buses round-the-clock during the summer vacation from April 15 till June 30. Reviewing with senior officers of TTD in Annamaiah Bhavan at Tirumala on Tuesday, the EO directed the Health and Engineering wing to introduce sprinkler system to wet the floor encircling the shrine from scorching temperatures providing relief to pilgrims. 

“Instead of using the primitive system of tankers to wet the four mada streets, you can set up these sprinklers at the ground level and wet the land continuously from 9 am to 5 pm every day till next six months.”, he told the concerned heads of department. 

The EO said Annaprasadam arrangements including food, butter milk, etc. should be served to the devotees at regular intervals both in queue lines and in compartments. “Keep enough stock of paper plates and cups as lakhs of pilgrims visit during the next two months”, he said. He had instructed the health wing to provide water to the pilgrims on continuous basis to protect the pilgrims from scorching heat. Rao instructed the forest wing to be prepared with forest fire fighting machinery and manpower. 

He also instructed the vigilance wing to co-ordinate with the police to provide security during the peak season. He has also directed the transport wing to identify two or three points and be named as “Seeghra Darshan Bus stops” to exclusively operate bus for Rs.300 special darshan pilgrims. 

The EO instructed the Engineering wing to complete all the pending works before the month end and see that the white washing, coolant paints and other heat preventive measure also be completed. “Identify places where pilgrim congregation is more to set up more Jalaprasadam units”, he added. 

As heavy rush is expected during the summer vacation, he has instructed the officials and staff members to be available in the service of multitude of visiting pilgrims to Tirumala from April 15 to June 30.