Fri Jun 20 01:39:50 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the text, framed as a report from The Hindu:
**The Hindu: TTD and APSRTC Team Up to Provide Free Bus Service in Tirumala, Curbing Exploitation of Pilgrims**
**TIRUMALA, June 20, 2025 (The Hindu)** – In a move designed to improve the pilgrimage experience and combat unfair pricing, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) and Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) have launched a new initiative providing free bus service for devotees within Tirumala.
The announcement came on Thursday, June 19th, with TTD Additional Executive Officer C.H. Venkayya Chowdary officially flagging off the new APSRTC buses at Aswini Hospital Circle. Chowdary emphasized that the program aims to shield pilgrims from being overcharged by local taxi operators and to reduce overall vehicular pollution in the hilltop town.
“This initiative is a direct response to concerns about pilgrims facing excessive fares,” Chowdary stated. “We are grateful to APSRTC for their swift and positive response to our request to expand the free bus service.”
The new APSRTC buses will operate on routes currently serviced by the existing ‘Sri Vari Dharma Rathams.’ With the addition of these buses, the total number of free daily trips will increase by approximately 80, supplementing the 300 trips already provided by the Dharma Rathams.
Pilgrims can now board the APSRTC buses from various points throughout Tirumala to travel to Tirupati without charge. TTD officials are encouraging devotees to take full advantage of the free service.
APSRTC Executive Director, Paidi Chandrasekhar, and TTD Transport GM Seshareddy were also present at the launch.
This initiative represents a significant step towards making the pilgrimage to Tirumala more affordable and accessible for all devotees.
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