The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) plans to add 20 electric buses to its fleet in Tirumala, strengthening free transport services for pilgrims visiting the hill town. The expansion is also intended to help reduce air pollution and vehicle emissions in the area around the temple complex.

TTD currently operates 38 electric buses under the Srivari Dharma Ratham service. The buses run on two routes in Tirumala and provide pilgrims with a service at intervals of about three minutes, helping them travel between key locations without charge.

TTD General Manager (Transport) Ramu announced the planned addition at a press conference. He said the number of daily trips operated by the service had increased from 30 to 650, with the free transport network benefiting nearly 85,000 pilgrims.

The existing electric buses have helped reduce vehicle emissions in Tirumala, according to the transport department. The planned increase in fleet strength is expected to allow TTD to handle more trips while maintaining access to free transport for the large number of devotees visiting the hill town.

TTD is also considering the installation of digital display boards at all bus stops. The boards would provide real-time information on bus arrival and departure timings, while the organisation is additionally examining plans to establish smart bus stations for pilgrims.

TTD is the official custodian of the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirupati, which is widely regarded as the world’s richest Hindu shrine. Its free bus service forms part of the arrangements supporting pilgrim movement in Tirumala, where demand for transport remains high because of the steady flow of devotees.