Tirupati: To ensure smooth darshan for devotees heading to Tirumala, the south central railway has come up with a solution where the people can now book bus tickets to go to the top of hill shrine.

It is a known fact that people after deboarding a train at Tirupati railway station have to get bus tickets for Tirumala after a long wait in the queue. But now, the passengers can now avail the bus tickets on the train itself from a bus conductor. Yes, the SCR which collaborated with APSRTC will now allow bus conductors into the train at Srikalahasti and Koduru, who make rounds in the train announcing 'bus tickets for Tirumala'.

It is the responsibility of the conductor to inform the depot about the number of tickets sold and make sure the buses are kept ready for the rail commuters.

Read: Tirumala To Remain Shut From August 11-17

The facility which was first implemented on Narayanadri express on a trial basis has received an overwhelming response from the passengers heading to hill shrine. And now, the SCR has initiated it on other trains which head to Tirumala from different places. Tirupati bound trains like Venkatadri, Rayalaseema, Seven Hills and Tirumala express have got this new facility.

Talking about the new initiative, SCR general manager said that the idea was initiated to provide hassle-free travel for the pilgrims. ‘

Along with the bus tickets for Tirumala, the SCR is also providing another facility for the pilgrims where they can avail the darshan tickets on IRCTC or at reservation counter in the station at a special fare which is inclusive of train charges.