Pilgrimage Services – TTD Handles Massive Summer Rush With Digital Luggage Network
Pilgrimage Services – More than 5.1 million devotees made use of the free luggage deposit and delivery facilities provided by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) during April and May 2026, reflecting a significant increase in pilgrim arrivals during the summer season. To efficiently manage the growing demand, the temple administration expanded its technology-enabled service network across Tirumala and the traditional walking routes leading to the hill shrine.
The large-scale operation functioned around the clock through a network of 66 service counters located at key points in Tirumala. A workforce of 345 personnel, deployed in three shifts, ensured that devotees could safely deposit luggage, bags, and mobile phones before proceeding for darshan without facing inconvenience.
Sharp Increase in Deposits During Summer Months
Official figures show a notable rise in the number of deposits compared to the previous year. During April 2026, the service handled 23,15,279 transactions, up from 20,75,481 recorded in April 2025. This represented an increase of nearly 2.4 lakh deposits.
The upward trend became even more pronounced in May 2026. The system processed 28,23,697 deposits during the month, compared with 23,82,622 in May 2025. The increase of more than 4.4 lakh transactions highlighted the growing reliance of devotees on the free storage facilities provided by the temple administration.
The pressure on infrastructure was particularly visible during a recent three-day weekend period, when 3,41,742 pilgrims utilised the service.
Special Facilities for Pilgrims Using Footpaths
TTD has also established dedicated luggage handling centres for devotees who choose to reach Tirumala through the traditional trekking routes.
At the Alipiri Footpath Luggage Centre, five counters supported by 45 staff members manage storage for more than 10,000 items. Meanwhile, the Srivari Mettu Luggage Centre operates two counters and can accommodate over 3,000 deposits with the assistance of 10 personnel.
Items deposited at these foothill locations are transported securely to Tirumala, enabling devotees to collect their belongings after completing the uphill journey.
Extensive Network Across Tirumala
To reduce congestion and waiting time, TTD has distributed deposit and delivery facilities across multiple locations on the hill.
Among the major deposit centres, the Free Hall facility accommodates thousands of mobile phones and luggage items through eight counters. Additional storage capacity is available at the Narayanagiri Sheds, while separate arrangements are in place for devotees visiting the Vaikuntham Queue Complex, DD Hall, and the ₹300 Special Entry Darshan Hall.
On the delivery side, retrieval centres have been established near major arrival points. These include dedicated facilities serving pilgrims arriving from the Alipiri and Srivari Mettu routes, along with the high-capacity PAC delivery complex that handles a substantial volume of returned belongings every day.
Technology Strengthens Security and Efficiency
A key feature of the luggage management system is the use of advanced digital tracking technology. When devotees deposit an item, staff attach a unique QR-code sticker and generate a corresponding barcode receipt.
The system allows officials to identify and locate stored belongings quickly when the receipt is presented. According to temple authorities, the digital process enables most items to be traced and returned within a minute, helping reduce delays during peak crowd periods.
Authorities Advise Devotees to Use Official Counters
TTD officials have reiterated that the luggage storage and tracking services are offered completely free of charge. They have encouraged devotees to make use of the authorised counters available throughout the pilgrimage route and Tirumala.
Authorities have also advised pilgrims to ensure they receive an official computer-generated receipt whenever they deposit luggage or personal belongings, as the receipt serves as the primary record for secure retrieval.