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TTD's E-Dip Darshan Plan Draws Fire as Early Footfall Lags, Offline Tickets Lift Numbers

A board meeting on January 8 will examine complaints about the experimental e-dip.

Overview

  • Official TTD data show 67,053, 70,256 and 65,225 darshans on December 30, 31 and January 1, far below typical handling capacity for the period.
  • Footfall rose to 83,032 on January 2 after offline ticketing was allowed at the temple complex, underscoring the impact of the initial online-only approach.
  • This year’s randomized e-dip allotted slots to applicants across India and abroad, drawing criticism for excluding traditional groups and altering the visitor mix.
  • APSBB chair N. Vijay Kumar and former TTD chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy blamed management decisions for the low turnout, alleging reduced capacity targets and a climate of fear.
  • TTD-run temples nationwide reported sharp Vaikunta Ekadasi increases, while Tirumala’s rise remained limited under online allocation on the most sought-after day.