Slotted Sarva Darshan token cuts back on long-waiting hours: JEO

Tirumala: The Slotted Sarva Darshan (SSD) system was introduced with an avowed aim to reduce long-waiting hours by pilgrims in queue lines and compartments, said Tirumala Joint Executive Officer (JEO) KS Sreenivasa Raju. Speaking to the media here on Thursday, the JEO elaborated on the motto behind the introduction of SSD.

He said, TTD has introduced time slot system initially for Rs 300 special entry darshan tickets four years ago. “On July 17 last, we have introduced similar system for Divya Darshan pilgrims which has also yielded fruitful results. On the same lines, we have introduced slot wise darshan system even in Sarva Darshan also to streamline the darshan system to ensure hassle free darshan to devotees,” he added.

The JEO stated the pilgrims, instead of waiting long hours in serpentine queues and compartments, can visit the other holy places in and around Tirupati, Tirumala and can have darshan of Lord Venkateswara in the specified time slot on the token. With this system, the TTD not only reduced darshan hours but also minimised the woes of pilgrims waiting for nearly 20-24 hours in queue lines and compartments.

Sreenivasa Raju said devotees can procure these free darshan tokens at Tirupati, Tirumala and in footpath routes. In Tirupati, the TTD set up counters in railway station, APSRTC bus station, TTD Srinivasam, Vishnu Nivasam and choultries for issuing SSD tokens.

To get this token, each member of the family should bring their Aadhaar card. If they do not possess Aadhaar card, then they can get the darshan token of their choice slot with voter ID card,” he informed.