Chennai, December 2 (NationPress) As thousands of devotees prepare to flock to Tiruvannamalai for the upcoming Maha Deepam on Wednesday, the Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister Stalin, is ramping up festival preparations in the temple town.

On Tuesday, Public Works Minister E.V. Velu conducted a review of the final stages of preparations along the Girivalam path, focusing on temporary bus terminals, parking zones, and vital public services to ensure the smooth movement and safety of pilgrims.

During the inspection, the minister evaluated the temporary bus stops and the effectiveness of the drinking water pipelines, motor systems, and distribution units set up by the Municipality and Highways Department.

Health officials provided updates on medical teams, mobile units, and ambulance services stationed at key locations, including the temple area, Mada Veedhis, and the Girivalam route.

Velu highlighted that the government's commitment to fulfill Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's 2021 election pledge to upgrade the Arunachaleswarar Temple car route with cement-concrete had been realized, as evidenced by the temple car's smooth operation on the newly constructed section earlier this week.

To assist visiting pilgrims, the district administration has introduced a specialized Android application that offers information on temporary bus stands, parking facilities, purified drinking water points, medical camps, and police assistance desks.

This year, a total of 4,764 special buses will be operational for festival transport, marking a 20% increase compared to last year.

There will be 24 temporary bus stands and 130 parking spaces available. On the Maha Deepam day, 220 private and educational institution buses will provide complimentary services between parking areas, bus stands, and the Girivalam path.

Moreover, 200 mini buses will operate at a nominal fare of ₹10, with 40 spare buses on standby to manage traffic congestion.

A coordination team, led by a sub-collector, will monitor departmental activities continuously. Drinking water will be accessible at 51 locations, and the Highways Department has set up 14 purified drinking water centers.

The police presence has been significantly enhanced, utilizing AI-enabled surveillance cameras throughout the temple complex, Mada Veedhis, and the Girivalam circuit.

Senior officials, including District Collector Tharppagaraj, Mayor Nirmala Velmaran, Tamil Nadu Athletic Association vice-president Dr. E.V.V. Kamban, Highways divisional engineer Gnanavel, and Municipal Commissioner Selva Balaji, accompanied the minister during the inspection, demonstrating the administration's commitment to ensuring a safe and orderly festival experience for all attendees.