A TTD staff member scanning the QR code of a bag at the delivery counter in Tirumala.
| Photo Credit: File Photo
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has recorded a significant increase in the utilisation of its free luggage deposit and delivery services, with more than 5.13 million pilgrims availing themselves of the facility during April and May this year.
To facilitate a hassle-free pilgrimage for devotees visiting Tirumala for darshan of Lord Venkateswara, the TTD has established an extensive network of luggage deposit and delivery centres across Tirumala and along the pedestrian routes to the hill shrine.
The system is being operated through 66 counters staffed by 345 personnel working in three shifts.
According to the TTD, a total of 51,38,976 devotees deposited their luggage during April-May this year, marking a record for the two-month period. In April, the number of users had risen from 20,75,481 the previous year to 23,15,279 this year, while in May the number increased to 28,23,697 from 23,82,622 the previous year.
This represents an additional 2,39,798 luggage deposits in April and 4,41,075 in May compared to the corresponding months of the previous year.
The growing reliance on the service is also evident from the fact that 3,41,742 devotees utilised the free luggage facility during the last three days amid heavy turnout in Tirumala.
Special luggage deposit centres have been established for pilgrims undertaking the pedestrian routes through the Alipiri and Srivari Mettu footpaths. Devotees can deposit their belongings at these centres and conveniently collect them at the designated delivery points in Tirumala.
The TTD has also set up luggage and mobile phone deposit facilities at key locations, including the Free Hall, Vaikuntham Queue Complex, Narayanagiri Shed, DD Hall, ₹300 Special Entry Hall and other pilgrim service centres. Additional facilities are available near the Kalyanakatta for the convenience of the devotees.
Technology at work
The luggage management system is supported by technology-driven processes. At the time of deposit, a QR code is generated using facial recognition technology and attached to the luggage. A receipt is issued to the devotee, enabling quick identification and delivery of the baggage, often within a minute.
The TTD has appealed to the devotees to utilise only authorised deposit centres for the safekeeping of luggage, bags and mobile phones. The services are provided free of cost for the convenience of the pilgrims
Published – June 16, 2026 06:46 pm IST
