Sun Jun 22 17:23:35 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The Tiruvannamalai Corporation is planning to build multi-level modular car parking facilities near the Arunachaleshwara temple to alleviate traffic congestion caused by pilgrims’ vehicles. The project aims to provide safe parking and decongest key stretches and narrow streets. The facilities will be modular and relocatable, costing approximately ₹1 crore. Each facility will have 10 floors and around 10 vehicles can be parked per floor. Land will be provided by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. The initiative is driven by a surge in tourist numbers, especially during festivals.
**News Article:**
**Tiruvannamalai to Combat Pilgrim Traffic with Multi-Level Parking Near Temple**
**TIRUVANNAMALAI, June 22, 2025** – The Tiruvannamalai Corporation has announced plans to construct multi-level modular car parking facilities near the Arunachaleshwara temple to address growing traffic congestion caused by the influx of pilgrims. With visitor numbers soaring, particularly during festivals like Maha Deepam which attracts approximately 4 million devotees, the town’s infrastructure is struggling to cope with haphazard parking.
“The aim is to provide a safe and convenient parking solution for pilgrims, preventing the current situation of vehicles clogging key roads and narrow streets,” stated S. Selva Balaji, Commissioner of the Tiruvannamalai Corporation.
The project will involve setting up at least five facilities near Mada Streets surrounding the temple. The modular design of the parking structures will allow for relocation based on seasonal demands. The estimated cost for the project is ₹1 crore. Each facility will consist of 10 floors, accommodating approximately 10 vehicles per floor. A nominal fee will be charged to users.
The land for the parking facilities will be provided rent-free by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department, with prior encroachments having been cleared.
“This initiative will decongest the town, providing more space for both pedestrians and motorists,” officials said. Temporary parking lots on the outskirts of town will be designated for tourist vans and buses.
The move follows numerous complaints from residents about traffic congestion and difficulties faced by emergency services due to illegally parked vehicles. The project is expected to significantly improve the overall experience for both pilgrims and residents of Tiruvannamalai.
First Piper 