APSRTC Rolls Out Free Electric Bus Service in Tirumala for Devotees
APSRTC Rolls Out Free Electric Bus Service in Tirumala for Devotees
Tirupati, June 2025 — In a move aimed at enhancing local transportation and easing the burden on pilgrims, the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has launched a fleet of free electric buses in Tirumala.
The initiative, introduced on Thursday, is expected to significantly reduce dependence on private taxis and cut down on vehicular pollution in the sacred hill town.
The decision to launch the service follows a formal request from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which raised concerns about the limited availability of public transport and the high fares charged by some private operators.
The decision to launch the service follows a formal request from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which raised concerns about the limited availability of public transport and the high fares charged by some private operators.
The new buses were flagged off at Ashwini Hospital Circle by TTD Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary, who highlighted the dual benefit of the service—eco-friendly transport and greater accessibility for devotees.
“This effort not only tackles the issue of overcharging by private vehicles but also promotes a cleaner Tirumala,” said Chowdary during the inauguration ceremony. “By introducing more frequent services, we are bringing down the average wait time for buses from eight minutes to just two, which ensures smoother movement within the town.”
The newly introduced APSRTC buses will function on the same routes currently served by TTD’s Srivari Dharma Rathams. While the existing TTD fleet makes around 300 trips daily, the addition of 80 more trips by APSRTC will enhance frequency and reduce congestion, particularly during peak pilgrim hours.
An added convenience is that devotees can now board these buses from multiple locations in Tirumala and reach Tirupati directly, bypassing the need to go through the central bus stand. Importantly, passengers will not be charged anything extra apart from the standard fare applicable on the Tirumala–Tirupati route.
The launch event was attended by key officials including APSRTC Executive Director Paidi Chandrasekhar, TTD Transport General Manager Sesha Reddy, Tirumala Deputy Executive Officer M. Lokanatham, and Tirupati District Public Transport Officer Venkata Rao.
The APSRTC’s move is seen as a significant step in improving last-mile connectivity in Tirumala, offering devotees a free, reliable, and environmentally sustainable transport option.
“This effort not only tackles the issue of overcharging by private vehicles but also promotes a cleaner Tirumala,” said Chowdary during the inauguration ceremony. “By introducing more frequent services, we are bringing down the average wait time for buses from eight minutes to just two, which ensures smoother movement within the town.”
The newly introduced APSRTC buses will function on the same routes currently served by TTD’s Srivari Dharma Rathams. While the existing TTD fleet makes around 300 trips daily, the addition of 80 more trips by APSRTC will enhance frequency and reduce congestion, particularly during peak pilgrim hours.
An added convenience is that devotees can now board these buses from multiple locations in Tirumala and reach Tirupati directly, bypassing the need to go through the central bus stand. Importantly, passengers will not be charged anything extra apart from the standard fare applicable on the Tirumala–Tirupati route.
The launch event was attended by key officials including APSRTC Executive Director Paidi Chandrasekhar, TTD Transport General Manager Sesha Reddy, Tirumala Deputy Executive Officer M. Lokanatham, and Tirupati District Public Transport Officer Venkata Rao.
The APSRTC’s move is seen as a significant step in improving last-mile connectivity in Tirumala, offering devotees a free, reliable, and environmentally sustainable transport option.
Ashwani Singh
Ashwani Singh is the creator of Smart Bus Pass, a go-to platform for everything about digital bus passes and public transport in India. Passionate about smart mobility and commuter tech, he breaks down complex systems into easy guides, updates, and news you can trust.
