National

Plan for a new queue complex and vehicle scanning station in Tirumala

Chennai: The Tirumala temple has registered a 15 per cent rise in the number of pilgrims (annual figures). In 2007, about 20.5 million pilgrims utilised various paid services at the temple, while in 2005, this number was 15 million. On an average, the temple receives about 27 million pilgrims a year. “We propose to extend the queue corridor and build a new complex in the light of increasing numbers,” says V. Dharma Reddy, Special Officer, Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD).

The temple manages 65,000 pilgrims on a week day, one lakh during holiday and five lakh during a festival day. At present, two queue complexes accommodate 33,000 pilgrims. The temple closely monitors the queue movement and so far not a single incident of stampede has been reported.

“Our threshold is 65,000. When the pilgrim numbers exceed this mark, we shift to the crisis mode. Our priority then is to ensure safe and smooth routing of pilgrims through the queue and provide a safe exit,” says Mr. Reddy.

At a time, about 500 pilgrims are allowed to wait in each one of the 66 compartments of the queue complexes. The first four days of the week, when the crowd is relatively less, the queue is regulated at the rate of 1,000 people per hour and reaches the threshold of the inner sanctum. On other days, when the numbers start to swell, the queue is terminated at a point about 2 to 3 metres from the inner sanctum or at the penultimate gate of the sanctum. This increases the speedy movement of the queue to 2,000 people and 5,000 people an hour respectively.

On the security front, threat levels are regularly assessed and plans are afoot to set up a vehicle scanning station in Alipiri at the foot hills of Tirumala. “At present, vehicles stop near Alipiri and the baggage removed from the vehicle and scanned. This is taking more time, but when the vehicle scanners start operating, vehicles with baggage can be scanned in situ. In addition we will be soon installing mobile scanners to scan moving vehicles,” explains B.V. Ramana Kumar, Chief Vigilance and Security Officer, TTD.

“We work closely with the Andhra Police and Intelligence Bureau. Security threats are regularly assessed and arrangements are upgraded. The entire complex is divided into four security sectors. Each sector is supervised by a sub-inspector with constables to assist. Apart from closed circuit televisions, each compartment inside the queue complex is monitored by two constables. A quick response team is also in place,” adds Mr. Kumar.

“There is also no possibility for fire-related accidents either. Corridors one both sides of the queue will allow us to reach rescue service in case of any eventuality. We have fire-fighting equipment and a dedicated fire station,” says V.S.B. Koteswara Rao, Chief Engineer, TTD.

The movement of pilgrims from the queue complex number two, near the temple, to the entrance gate of the temple remains a critical area. Here, the pilgrims move through a closed corridor and during any eventuality, they may find it relatively difficult to escape.

“The lines here do have exit gates, but are kept locked. To access the key and to have the key holder near the gate will be crucial. We have regular drills to reduce our response time,” explains Mr. Kumar.

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