What more, the private taxis cannot take the pilgrims to these spots. Curiously, TTD claims that it would operate more number of free buses for the benefit of pilgrims to move around the hills and interior destinations and visit places of religious importance. Pilgrims are mighty upset with us for not dropping them at their designated cottages and guest houses,' a driver of Tirumala Taxis and Tour Operators Private Ltd said. 'How can TTD impose restrictions on us? This would deprive us of our livelihood. On important festivals, Brahmotsavams and key rituals, this number goes up to 7,000 taxis. Nearly 3,200 to 3,500 taxis operate every day from Tirupati to Tirumala taking pilgrims up the hills. While the pilgrims say they cannot be put through such hardship, the taxi operators claim that it would hit their business hard.

This has irked the taxi drivers and pilgrims to no end. Those pilgrims who hire the taxis have to get down and walk towards their cottages carrying luggage,' a senior official said.

'The private taxis cannot go beyond a certain point atop Tirumala now. As per the TTD plan, the private taxis cannot drop the pilgrims at their cottages, hotels and guest houses and must stop at the designated parking slots. The taxi drivers called off their protest after the RTO promised to discuss the issue with the TTD authorities. Special forces were brought in to bring the situation under control. When hundreds of protesting taxi drivers started forcing the pilgrims to get down from the buses, police rained blows to disperse the drivers. He was rushed to hospital where his condition is said to be stable. A driver, Dinesh, attempted suicide by slitting his throat. Angry taxi drivers went on the offensive on Wednesday by stoning a couple of RTC buses at Alipiri, demanding immediate withdrawal of the TTD move. Though TTD claims that it's a measure to check the alarmingly increasing pollution levels in the thickly forested seven hills, the taxi operators and pilgrims are seething with rage. Or be prepared to trek a few kilometres carrying your bag and baggage to your cottage/guest house as the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams ( TTD) is all set to implement strict traffic regulations in the Lord's abode by curtailing the movement of private taxis. TIRUPATI: Pilgrims beware! If you want to visit Tirumala to worship Lord Venkateswara, think twice.

Tirumala car parking area