Tirumala, April 21, 2025: Devotees traveling via the Alipiri route to Tirumala are urging the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to resume issuing Divya Darshan tokens for both footpaths during the summer. The service, suspended during the previous government under COVID-19 restrictions, has not been reinstated despite promises from TTD. The plan was delayed following a fatal leopard attack on the Alipiri path, but devotees are now requesting the revival of this service due to increasing foot traffic.
Previously, 20,000 tokens were issued daily, with 14,000 for Alipiri and 6,000 for Srivari Mettu. However, since the pandemic, tokens have not been issued for Alipiri, and only 3,000 tokens are now available at Srivari Mettu, often running out by midday. This shortage has led to complaints, with some taxi and auto drivers charging pilgrims Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000 for tokens. Devotees are calling for tokens to be available on both routes to ensure fair access to darshan during the summer rush.
