Chandrababu Naidu launches 32 electric buses for Tirumala pilgrims

The buses were launched at Narayanagiri Circle as part of efforts to strengthen the Srivari Dharma Ratham service and make local transportation more convenient for devotees. Of the 32 buses, 25 were provided by Reliance Foundation and seven by Bharat Biotech, according to reports. Charging stations were also handed over to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

With the latest addition, the electric-bus fleet is set to increase from 14 to 44, according to the information shared for the launch. The expanded fleet is expected to improve the frequency of free buses operating between important locations in Tirumala.

The move is also aimed at reducing the waiting time for pilgrims. The new fleet is expected to bring the average interval between buses down from around four minutes to three minutes, making it easier for devotees to move around the hill town.

TTD has been progressively shifting its free pilgrim transport services towards electric mobility as part of its environmental initiatives. The Dharma Ratham service already carries a large number of devotees each day, while digital display boards introduced at bus stops provide real-time information on bus arrivals. TTD said in February that around 60,000 pilgrims use the free bus services daily.

The introduction of the additional electric buses is expected to reduce dependence on conventional fuel-powered vehicles and contribute to efforts to keep the Tirumala environment cleaner while accommodating the growing movement of pilgrims.