Tirumala, Tirupathi: Hundreds of private taxi-owners and drivers protesting new traffic regulations atop Tirumala Hills were lathicharged by the police when they tried to storm the office of the Joint Executive Officer. Earlier today the taxi drivers went on a strike to oppose the ban of taxis atop Tirumala hill by the temple authorities.
Tirumala authorities have banned the entry of private taxis beyond a particular point in Tirumala with a view to check traffic and pollution. After this point, buses within Tirumala would take care of transport. The authorities have said those plying on the Tirupati-Tirumala route should necessarily get fitness and pollution certificates.
On a normal day there are 3500 vehicles that run and on special occasions the numbers can go up to 7000.
Sources indicate that the taxi drivers may use some 3000 taxis to physically blockade the route up to the temple on Friday. This could cause inconvenience to thousands of pilgrims who visit the Tirumala Devasthanam every day.
