Minister for Public Works E.V. Velu chairing the meeting held with key stakeholders. Collector D. Bhaskara Pandian is seen.

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New traffic changes have been announced in an effort to decongest traffic in the temple town of Tiruvannamalai, especially around Arunachaleswara temple. They will come into effect on February 1.

A consultative meeting, chaired by Minister for Public Works, Highways and Minor Ports, E.V. Velu, was held with key stakeholders on traffic regulation. Collector D. Bhaskara Pandian was present.

“New traffic changes, especially for tourist vehicles and auto rickshaws, should be strictly enforced to ease traffic congestion,” said P. Bhaskaran, secretary, Tiruvannamalai All Traders’ Association.

Under the traffic changes, four-wheelers will be forbidden from using the four Mada streets around the temple. Goods laden lorries, especially those carrying essential items, will be allowed to use the Mada streets only between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. The RTO will issue special passes permitting residents to use two-wheelers on the street.

Similarly, buses from the Central bus stand heading to Mannurpet and Thandrampet on the outskirts should go via roundtana, Periyar E.V. Ramasamy statue, Gandhi Nagar and Shanmuga Arts & Science College.

Bengaluru- and Tirupattur-bound buses should take Edapalayam Ring Road and Ayyampalayam route to reach these places.

Private buses and tourist vehicles from Vellore, Chennai and Chittoor should be parked on the open ground near Anna Arch on the outskirts of the town. Vehicles from Tindivanam should be parked at the playground opposite to Government Boys Higher Secondary School whereas those from Thirukovilur Road should be halted near Chengam Road. Each parking space can accommodate at least 300-500 vehicles.

Specific routes have been allotted for auto rickshaws to operate in the town. Banks and commercial establishments were asked to make their own parking arrangements within the premises. Parking in public places will be fined.

The police said that on an average, around three lakh tourists visit the town every day. During weekends and holidays, the number doubles. Apart from visiting the ashrams and temples at the foothills of Annamalai, tourists also walk on the 14 km-long girivalam path as part of the visit.