Mon Aug 18 01:09:09 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

A large number of devotees flocked to the Ootlavaripalle Sri Subramanya Swami temple in Tirupati district during an extended weekend (due to Independence Day falling near a Saturday/Sunday). This influx, combined with incessant rain, caused significant congestion and discomfort for pilgrims and local residents alike. Transportation hubs (railway station, bus station) and accommodation complexes were overwhelmed. The weather also created traffic issues, and there was high demand for buses to Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

**News Article:**

**Tirupati Temple City Grapples with Pilgrim Surge Amidst Torrential Rain**

**TIRUPATI, August 18, 2025** – A massive influx of devotees descended upon Tirupati’s Ootlavaripalle Sri Subramanya Swami temple over the extended Independence Day weekend, creating chaos and discomfort for both pilgrims and local residents. The combination of a long weekend and persistent rainfall strained the city’s infrastructure to its breaking point.

The Tirupati railway station and APSRTC central bus station were scenes of overcrowding, offering little relief to travelers. Accommodation complexes such as ‘Srinivasam’ and ‘Vishnu Nivasam’ were similarly overwhelmed, struggling to manage the constant flow of pilgrim traffic.

“It was impossible to move,” said one pilgrim, who wished to remain anonymous, adding that the conditions were dangerous. “The rain made everything worse.”

The rain not only added to the misery but also exacerbated traffic congestion, creating slush pools and potholes that slowed movement. The unpredictable rainfall pattern caught many visitors off guard, unprepared for the sudden downpours.

Meanwhile, private bus operators experienced a surge in demand for seats to Hyderabad and Bengaluru, with many travelers seeking to return home after their temple visits.

Local authorities are yet to comment on the situation, but residents expressed concerns about the strain on resources and the potential for further disruptions if the heavy rainfall continues.

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