TTD temporarily shifts Divya Darshan token counters to Bhudevi Complex at Alipiri

The Hindu

2 days ago

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has announced temporary relocation of the Divya Darshan token counters, which are made available at the Srivari Mettu for the devotees who trek to Tirumala.
In view of the crowd management and logistical requirements, the counters will be moved to the Bhudevi Complex at Alipiri. The new arrangement will come into effect from Friday evening.
TTD Executive Officer J. Syamala Rao reviewed the decision during a virtual meeting with the officials on Tuesday.
The new counters at the Bhudevi Complex would issue the Divya Darshan tokens to the pilgrims who prefer to trek to Tirumala via the Srivari Mettu footpath. Tokens would be distributed on the first come, first-served basis and subject to availability, starting from the evening of June 6 (Friday).
Devotees who obtain the tokens must present their Aadhaar cards and scan them at the 1,200th step on the Srivari Mettu route to validate their eligibility. Tokens issued on Friday evening would correspond to darshan slots on Saturday.
Simultaneously, the SSD (Sarva Darshan) tokens would also be made available at the designated counters in the Alipiri Bhudevi Complex.
To ensure smooth operation and address safety and traffic-related challenges, Mr. Rao directed the Vigilance and Security departments, along with the district police, to take precautionary measures in advance.
A dedicated team of officers would be stationed at the Bhudevi Complex to oversee token issuance and ensure that the counters operate efficiently. Clear communication and widespread publicity about the temporary shift in token distribution had also been emphasised to avoid confusion among the devotees.
TTD engineering officials had been instructed to establish robust queue systems to manage crowds effectively, and arrangements were being made to provide annaprasadam (free meal) and maintain hygiene.
Mr. Rao also called for active involvement of the Srivari Sevaks (volunteers) to support the initiative.
Among those present at the meeting were TTD Additional Executive Officer C.H. Venkayya Chowdary, Tirupati JEO V. Veerabrahmam, and in-charge CV&SO of TTD and Tirupati District SP V. Harshavardhan Raju.