Four-day Toll Fee Exemption For Srisailam Pilgrims

Kurnool: In view of the Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavams, toll fee (entry and exit) will be exempted for four days from February 13 to 16 at the toll gate on National Highway 765 near the Srisailam temple, Nandyal district collector Rajakumari Gania announced on Thursday.

Addressing the media along with district SP Sunil Charan from the Command Control Room at Srisailam Devasthanam, the collector said the decision was taken to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims. Vehicular traffic will be permitted round the clock during the period.

She said that since the commencement of the Brahmotsavams, 2,59,050 devotees have had darshan of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Bhramaramba Devi. With the pilgrim rush expected to intensify over the next two days, additional arrangements are being put in place. So far, about 75,000 devotees have taken holy dips.

On the transport front, buses are being operated every five minutes on the Nandyal–Srisailam route. On Maha Shivaratri day, APSRTC will operate 1,800 buses, while 1,000 buses will ply from Telangana and around 3,000 buses from other regions. Special parking areas have been identified to prevent traffic congestion.

Appealing to motorists, the collector urged drivers to strictly adhere to the 30 kmph speed limit while passing through forest stretches to ensure the safety of wildlife.