June 20, 2025: In a significant step to enhance the convenience of pilgrims visiting Tirumala, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), in collaboration with Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC), has added 80 additional free bus trips to its existing fleet serving the temple town.
The initiative was formally launched on Thursday by TTD Additional Executive Officer C.H. Venkayya Chowdary, who flagged off the new APSRTC buses at the Aswini Hospital Circle. Speaking at the event, he emphasized that the move aims to protect devotees from exploitation by local cab drivers charging exorbitant fares, while also addressing concerns related to vehicular pollution atop Tirumala.
“This addition will supplement the current 300 daily trips operated by the TTD’s Dharma Rathams, providing pilgrims with safer, economical, and eco-friendly travel options within the temple town,” said Chowdary.
The newly introduced APSRTC buses will operate along the same routes as the existing ‘Sri Vari Dharma Rathams,’ allowing devotees to board at multiple points within Tirumala and travel down to Tirupati without any additional charge.
Expressing gratitude to APSRTC for their positive response to TTD’s request, the officer appealed to devotees to take full advantage of the free transport services for a hassle-free pilgrimage experience.
APSRTC Executive Director Paidi Chandrasekhar and TTD Transport GM Seshareddy were among the prominent officials present during the flag-off ceremony.
This joint initiative is expected to greatly enhance pilgrim mobility, reduce congestion, and contribute to a cleaner environment atop Tirumala, further enriching the spiritual journey of devotees visiting the revered temple town.