Stolen Tirumala Electric Bus Finally Recovered in Naidupet
Read how the Andhra Pradesh Police intercepted the stolen Tirumala Electric bus at the national highway near Naidupet, around 100 km from Tirumala.
Tirupati, September 24, 2023: An electric bus, valued at Rs 2 crore and used for transporting pilgrims to the revered Tirumala Temple, was reportedly stolen on Sunday.
The stolen Tirumala electric bus was a vital part of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams’ (TTD) service to devotees.
It was generously sponsored by MEIL Engineering Works as part of their corporate responsibility program.
The theft, occurring amidst a significant presence of deployed security personnel for the annual Brahmotasavams of Tirumala temple, has sparked concerns and questions.
Chief Vigilance and Security Officer of TTD, Mr. Narasimha, was quoted saying by ANI, “An AC electrical bus worth Rs 2 crore, which runs for the convenience of devotees walking on the hill in Tirumala, was stolen by unknown people at around 4 am today. The Highway Police recovered the bus on the national highway at Biradawada near Naidupet.”
Prompt action was taken by TTD staff, who swiftly informed Tirupati police. Utilizing the bus’s GPS system, they tracked its movement towards Naidupet.
A mobile patrol intercepted the bus on the Naidupet national highway.
Initially headed towards Chennai on the Chennai-Calcutta national highway, the bus was discovered abandoned on a bypass road. It appears the culprits left it behind after the Tirumala electric bus ran out of charge
Efforts are underway to locate and apprehend the individual responsible for the theft.
The recovery of the stolen Tirumala electric bus stands as a testament to the efficient response of both TTD and local law enforcement.
The bus will soon resume its service to pilgrims, ensuring their convenient and cost-free journey to the revered Tirumala Temple.
In a significant step towards making Tirumala a more eco-friendly destination, existing diesel buses were phased out in March 2023.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has introduced ten electric buses in Tirumala, that pilgrims could avail for free.
