TN steps up final preparations for ‘Karthigai Deepam’ as Tiruvannamalai gears up for massive devotee influx
Chennai: With hundreds of thousands of devotees poised to converge on Tiruvannamalai for Wednesday’s Maha Deepam, the Tamil Nadu government—led by Chief Minister Stalin—has stepped up its preparations across the temple town.
Public Works Minister E.V. Velu spent Tuesday inspecting the last details on the Girivalam route, the makeshift bus stops and parking areas to ensure smooth travel and safety for pilgrims. He reviewed the temporary bus terminals and confirmed that the drinking‑water pipes, motor systems and distribution units installed by the Municipal and Highways Departments were fully functional.
Health officials briefed him on the medical teams, mobile clinics and ambulance services positioned at key points, including the temple premises, Mada Veedhis and along the Girivalam path.
Velu also highlighted that the government has honored Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s 2021 election pledge by paving the temple car’s route with cement‑concrete. The smooth run on the newly laid stretch this week was warmly welcomed by devotees.
To help visitors navigate the town, the district administration has released an Android app that lists temporary bus stops, parking spots, purified water points, medical camps and police help desks.
This year, 4,764 special buses will be deployed for festival travel—a 20 % increase from last year. Twenty‑four temporary bus stands and 130 parking areas have been set up. On the day of Maha Deepam, 220 free private and school buses will shuttle passengers between parking sites, bus stands and the Girivalam path. Additionally, 200 mini buses will run at a nominal ₹10 fare, and 40 spare buses will be kept on standby to ease congestion.
A coordination team led by a sub‑collector monitors departmental work around the clock. Drinking‑water facilities are available at 51 locations, and the Highways Department has established 14 purified‑water centres.
Police presence has been significantly bolstered, supported by AI‑enabled surveillance cameras installed throughout the temple complex, Mada Veedhis and the Girivalam circuit.
Senior officials—including District Collector Tharppagaraj, Mayor Nirmala Velmaran, Dr. E.V.V. Kamban (vice‑president of the Tamil Nadu Athletic Association), Highways divisional engineer Gnanavel and Municipal Commissioner Selva Balaji—joined the minister during the inspection, underscoring the administration’s commitment to a safe and orderly festival for all devotees.
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