The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has set a new record by successfully handling over half a crore pilgrim baggage in April and May this year. The trust operates 66 dedicated luggage counters at Tirumala and along the twin pedestrian routes, allowing devotees to deposit their belongings, including bags and mobile phones, safely.
With over 2.5 crore devotees visiting the sacred abode of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala each year, TTD has modernized its luggage deposit and delivery system for the convenience of the multitude of pilgrims. Over the years, TTD's free luggage deposit system has earned strong patronage from devotees. In April-May this year, approximately 51.3 lakh pilgrim baggage were successfully handled without any glitches.
Comparing year-on-year data, pilgrim baggage deposits in April last year were 20.7 lakh, which increased to 23.1 lakh this year. Similarly, while 23.8 lakh baggage deposits were recorded in May last year, the number rose to 28.2 lakh this year. TTD authorities attribute this spike to an exponential rise in pilgrim footfall at Tirumala this summer.
TTD Additional EO Ch Venkaiah Chowdary stated that to make the baggage deposit and collection system foolproof, TTD uses facial recognition-based QR codes affixed to luggage deposited at the Devasthanams counters. Devotees can collect their luggage after presenting the receipt. Venkaiah Chowdary emphasized that the service is completely free and appealed to devotees to make optimal use of it.
