Ghee Tanker Overturns Near Alipiri; Supply to Tirumala Temporarily Disrupted

New Delhi, March 10, 2026 – A major traffic disruption occurred on the arterial road leading to the Tirumala hills early Tuesday morning after a tanker carrying thousands of liters of pure ghee overturned near the Alipiri forest check post. The ghee, intended for the preparation of the world-famous Srivari Laddu prasadam, spilled across the roadway, making the stretch dangerously slick for pilgrims and local commuters.

Details of the Incident

The incident took place around 5:30 AM when the heavy vehicle, traveling from a dairy processing unit in neighboring Tamil Nadu, was negotiating a sharp curve. According to preliminary reports from the local police, the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the path and flip onto its side.

Fortunately, no fatalities were reported. The driver and the cleaner sustained minor injuries and were immediately rushed to the Ruia Government General Hospital for treatment. They are currently reported to be in stable condition.

Impact on Traffic and Pilgrims

The spill created an immediate hazard for two-wheelers and pedestrians heading toward the foot of the hills.

• Road Closures: Police cordoned off the affected stretch for several hours to prevent skidding accidents.
• Diversions: Traffic was diverted through alternate internal roads, causing significant delays for pilgrims scheduled for early morning darshan.
• Cleanup Operations: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) fire department and municipal workers arrived promptly, using sawdust and high-pressure water jets to clear the viscous residue from the tarmac.

TTD Response and Supply Chain Concerns

The TTD, which manages the hill shrine, was quick to address concerns regarding the potential shortage of ghee for the temple’s massive kitchen operations.

“While the loss of the consignment is significant, we have sufficient buffer stocks in our marketing godowns to ensure that the production of Laddus remains unaffected. We are working to ensure the road is safe for pilgrims as a priority,” a senior TTD official stated.

The authorities have ordered an inquiry into the incident to determine if mechanical failure or driver fatigue was the primary cause. This mishap comes at a time when the TTD has been under the spotlight regarding the quality and sourcing of ghee, following recent administrative shifts and quality control reforms.

Current Status

By late morning, the overturned tanker was uprighted using heavy-duty cranes, and the road was partially reopened to light vehicles. Officials have urged devotees traveling by road to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits, especially during the early morning hours when visibility and road grip can be unpredictable.