TTD Planning Dedicated Bus Lanes at Alipiri To Ease Tirumala Traffic Rush
New shelters and bus bays are planned to reduce Tirumala toll gate congestion
Tirupati: With traffic congestion continuing to trouble devotees at the Saptagiri toll gate near Alipiri in Tirupati, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has decided to develop dedicated bus lanes and permanent passenger shelters near the Vinayaka Swamy Temple to streamline vehicle movement towards Tirumala.
TTD trust board led by chairman B.R. Naidu has approved proposals worth Rs 4.25 crore for taking up these works. The approval comes in the wake of increasing pilgrim rush and frequent traffic jams at the Alipiri entry point, especially during weekends, holidays, and festival seasons.
Alipiri is the main gateway for vehicles travelling to Tirumala. Presently, nearly 6,000 to 8,000 vehicles pass through the 13-lane toll plaza on normal days. During weekends, Brahmotsavams, and other festive occasions, the number rises to around 12,000 vehicles, leading to heavy traffic congestion extending up to Garuda Circle. Devotees often face long waiting times due to security checks, toll procedures, and movement of buses and other vehicles at the checkpoint.
As part of the new plan, two dedicated bus lanes with a width of 3.75 metres each will be constructed near the Vinayaka Swamy Temple, located around 600 to 700 metres from the toll plaza exit point. The facility is designed to accommodate nearly 80 buses at a time, helping reduce congestion near the toll gate area.
TTD will construct passenger shelters with modern facilities at an estimated cost of ₹2.02 crore. The shelters, measuring 60 metres in length and 12 metres in width, are intended to provide better waiting arrangements for devotees travelling by buses.
The project will include installation of luggage scanners, metal detectors, and separate passenger handling sections. In view of the hilly terrain, RCC retaining walls will be built to prevent landslides. Electrification and UPS backup facilities will also be provided as part of the development works.
TTD officials said the proposed infrastructure is expected to improve traffic flow at Alipiri and provide better facilities for devotees travelling to Tirumala.
