TTD to develop buffer stock of darshan tokens

By Our Special Correspondent.

TIRUPATI, MAY 2. Stung by the criticism of scarcity and the consequent hardship faced by the pilgrims in getting darshan of Lord Venkateswara, the TTD management has decided to develop a buffer stock of at least five to ten lakh numbers of the computerised `Sudarsanam' tokens for the pilgrims to have a comfortable and hassle-free darshan. The TTD's Joint Executive Officer, Mr. Balasubramanyam, has attributed the sudden scarcity of the tokens to the failure on the part of the Hyderabad-based company to ensure the contracted supply. He said as against a requirement of about 50,000 tokens per day, the TTD was on an average getting only 25,000 tokens from the company causing dislocation to the token system.

He explained that it was to meet the scarcity that the TTD had to restrict the distribution of the tokens to the special darshan ticket holders and suspend the same in respect of those going for free darshan through the `Vaikuntam Queue Complex' which had all built-in facilities under one roof such as bathrooms, toilets, refreshments and seating arrangements.

About the reported time gap being taken for darshan by the sudarshan token holders and non-token holders, Mr.Balasubramanyam said the TTD was aware of the problem and was trying to rectify it by regulating the inflow of the pilgrims into the free darshan lines (Vaikuntam complex) and special darshan lines (PPC sheds). He said once the estimated buffer of about 10 lakh tokens was ready, the TTD would restore the distribution of the sudarsanam tokens to the free darshan pilgrims as well.

He was optimistic that the company has pulled up its socks and steadily increasing its supplies, creating a hope that the buffer would be ready soon.

Mr. Balasubramanyam did not agree with the criticism that the confusion over the token system was due to lack of coordination among the concerned officials but blamed it on the company.

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Section  : Regional
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