The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has inaugurated a new SRIVANI Darshan Ticket Centre to reduce wait times for devotees. The state-of-the-art facility is located opposite the Tirumala Annamayya Bhavan and was opened on Tuesday by TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu. Executive Officer J. Shyamala Rao was also present at the inauguration.
The new center aims to address the long-standing issue of lengthy queues, where devotees often wait from as early as 5:00 AM to secure SRIVANI Darshan tickets. Mr. Naidu stated that the new counters, constructed with advanced infrastructure at a cost of ₹60 lakh, will expedite and simplify the ticketing process. Ticket distribution from the new facility commenced on Wednesday, and devotees are encouraged to utilize the new service.
The SRIVANI Trust is a flagship initiative of the TTD that allows devotees to contribute to the development and maintenance of various TTD projects in exchange for special entry darshan. The high demand for these tickets has often resulted in significant delays, which the new center is expected to alleviate through its efficient setup.
In addition to the new ticket center, Mr. Naidu also inaugurated upgraded sub-inquiry offices at the High-Level Cottages (HVC) and Annaprasadam Complex (ANC) areas. These modernized facilities are intended to provide better information and assistance services to devotees. Mr. Naidu also inspected these setups to ensure they meet the needs of pilgrims.
The TTD board has been actively taking steps to improve facilities and manage the growing number of pilgrims. Recently, the board decided to construct a third Vaikuntam Queue Complex (VQC-III) in Tirumala to address the increasing pressure on existing facilities. They have also approved revised funding guidelines under the SRIVANI Trust for temple and Bhajan Mandir construction in SC, ST, and backward areas, offering graded assistance of ₹10 lakh, ₹15 lakh, or ₹20 lakh.
Other recent initiatives by the TTD board include establishing a Cyber Security Lab to combat online fraud targeting pilgrims and planning improvements at the Kalyanakatta tonsure complex to enhance hygiene and safety. An action plan is also being developed for Tallapaka, the birthplace of saint-poet Annamacharya. Additionally, the board has cleared the distribution of microphone sets worth ₹79.82 lakh to 320 newly built temples under the Samarasata Seva Foundation.
The TTD has also refuted rumors circulating on social media regarding leftover Srivani darshan tickets, clarifying that claims suggesting surplus offline tickets are baseless and misleading. According to TTD officials, 500 Srivani darshan tickets are available daily through online booking, with another 200 tickets at the Tirupati airport and 800 tickets issued offline in Tirumala.
The SRIVANI Trust was established to construct Sri Venkateswara Swamy temples at various locations, particularly in SC/ST/BC and weaker section colonies, and to renovate old and dilapidated temples. Donors contributing a minimum of Rs. 10,000 to the Trust are granted a one-time privilege of VIP Break Darshan.
