TIRUMALA/TIRUPATI: The pilgrim inflow into Tirumala, the holy shrine of Lord Venkateswara, has been increasing since Friday evening. For the first time, on Sunday, the queue for Sheegra Darshan extended up to five kilometres from the entrance and had gone beyond Rambhageecha guest house. The rush has been attributed to the string of holidays from Friday to Monday on account of Varalakshmi Vratham, Raksha Bandhan and Independence Day. In view of the unprecedented rush, TTD has cancelled VIP break darshans except for Protocol from Saturday to Tuesday. Mahalaghu has been implemented from Friday evening. According to deputy EO Munirathnam Reddy, arrangements for food and water to pilgrims have been made. Reportedly, on Sunday, pilgrims have been waiting for 24 hrs for the darshan. On request, pilgrims in Sarva Darshan queues are being given access cards. Divya Darshan and Sheegra Darshan pilgrims have been waiting for 6-10 hours. The queues for tonsuring points stretched to 2.5 kms. Pilgrims are finding it difficult to get an accommodation at Tirumala due to which many are getting back to Tirupati for a room to stay. Also, there has been heavy rush at bus and railway stations. RTC has been operating extra buses to address the transport needs. With taxi drivers calling off their stir, people heaved a sigh of relief. TTD executive officer L V Subramanyam and JEO K S Srinivasa Raju have been monitoring the situation. Security has been beefed up in Tirumala and other shrines in the district following an alert from intelligence agencies ahead of Independence Day. With the increased pilgrim influx, security has been further intensified with TTD security officials and TUPD officials keeping a close eye on pilgrim movement.
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