The movement of private vehicles to Chamundi Hills will be banned on Fridays (Juy 5, 12, 19, and 26) during the current Ashada masa as a crowd and traffic control measure.
Commissioner of Police K.T. Balakrishna has issued directives to this effect and no private vehicle will be allowed to Chamundi Hills from 10 p.m. of Thursday.
Chamundi Hills witnesses a surge in the number of devotees and pilgrims visiting the temple during Fridays of Ashada masa .
Hence the practice of banning the movement of private vehicles on Fridays came into vogue a few years ago and is now a permanent feature during the Ashada masa .
For devotees and tourists, KSRTC will introduce special bus services from 2 a.m. from Lalitha Mahal Palace grounds to the hill top.
The last return trip from the hills will be at 10 p.m.
There will be parking arrangements at the Lalitha Mahal Palace grounds for the visitors who will have to opt for the KSRTC service to reach the temple.
However, vehicles issued special pass to cater to the free lunch services will be allowed to ply but only during the designated time.
A concession has been made to private vehicles of VIPs and VVIPs who will be issued special passes by the city police. But no vehicles will be allowed past the statue of Mahishasura.
This restriction will not be applicable to the local residents who live on Chamundi Hills provided they furnish proof of residence and procure a pass.
To cater to persons with disabilties and senior citizens, the authorities will run battery-operated buggies from the statue of Mahishasura to the temple.
For devotees who would prefer to take the steps from the foothills to the temple, parking facilities have been made near Pinjarapole.
There will be a ban on movement of traffic on the Uttanahalli Road leading to Chamundi Hills.
Security will be intensified and CCTV cameras have been installed for surveillance and monitoring while temporary toilets and health kiosks to provide first aid in case of any medical emergency, have also been established.
