Security Tightened at Tirumala Temple Amid Rising India-Pakistan Tensions
Tirupati | May 9, 2025 — In response to growing tensions between India and Pakistan, authorities have significantly increased security at the Sri Venkateswara Temple located atop the Tirumala hills near Tirupati.
The precautionary measures come amid fears of potential terror threats following recent cross-border military activities and a past terror attack in Kashmir.
Police and TTD Step Up Vigil
Officials from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which manages the temple, along with Tirupati police, have stepped up their security strategy.
Superintendent of Police Harshvardhan Raju chaired a high-level meeting with district authorities to review the situation and ensure all safety protocols are in place.
The Organisation for Counter Terrorist Operations (OCTOPUS) — a special anti-terror unit — along with other security personnel, is actively conducting surveillance and checks around the temple area.
Stringent Checks at Entry Points and Footpaths
Security has been tightened not just at the temple, but also across Tirupati town and on the ghat roads that connect the city to the temple.
- All vehicles, including RTC buses, are being thoroughly inspected at the Alipiri checkpoint.
- Luggage checks and frisking of devotees are now mandatory.
- Devotees walking to the shrine via Alipiri Mettu and Srivari Mettu footpaths are also being screened.
Officials are paying close attention to every entry point to prevent any suspicious activity.
Mock Drill Conducted for Preparedness
On May 2, a mock drill was conducted at the Sri Kapila Theertham Temple in Tirupati by OCTOPUS, TTD Vigilance, Civil Police, Bomb Squad, and other departments. The drill was aimed at testing preparedness in case of a terror attack, and included simulations involving medical, fire, and traffic teams.
The drill was organized in the backdrop of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which raised alarm among temple authorities and local law enforcement agencies.
Tirumala Temple Sees Massive Daily Footfall
The Sri Venkateswara Temple is considered the richest Hindu temple in the world, attracting an average of 70,000 to 80,000 devotees daily, with numbers crossing 100,000 on special days.
On Thursday, May 8, TTD reported that over 71,000 devotees had 'darshan' at the temple.
TTD Budget Highlights Growing Scale of Operations
Earlier in March 2025, the TTD Board of Trustees approved a Rs 5,258.68 crore budget for the financial year 2025–26, underlining the temple’s growing responsibilities and need for strong security infrastructure.