TIRUPATI: The feasibility study for the proposed Vaikuntam Queue Complex-3 (VQC-3) at Tirumala is to begin shortly, marking a major step towards easing congestion at one of the world’s busiest pilgrimage centres.Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Board has directed officials to carry out a comprehensive technical study in this regard, and prepare a detailed project report (DPR). Tirumala currently receives between 60,000 and 1,00,000 pilgrims daily, with footfalls spiking sharply during Brahmotsavams, Vaikunta Ekadasi and other major occasions. The existing VQC-1 and VQC-2 are often filled beyond their capacity, resulting in long waiting times and reduced comfort for devotees. “During peak times, devotees have to wait in queue for hours, testing their patience and putting strain on our staff. VQC-3 is intended to ease this load while preserving the spiritual ambience at Tirumala,” a senior official from TTD’s planning cell stated. The feasibility study will begin with identifying a suitable site for the third queue complex, within the proximity of Mada streets, existing queue complexes, and pedestrian corridors. A detailed analysis of historical and seasonal pilgrim flow will be made, with projections of future demand and categorisation of darshan, whether free darshan, special entry or and senior citizen queues. The layout of VOC-3 will provide for holding areas, waiting halls, verification and frisking points, restrooms, drinking water facilities, medical aid, and movement corridors designed for safety. “We are looking at facilities that offer comfort and a devotional atmosphere, with features like murals, chanting zones, and landscaped areas using sacred plant species,” the official stated. Connectivity to pedestrian routes, battery vehicle points, transport hubs, Annadanam halls, prasadam counters and darshan entry gates will be mapped. The study will address regulatory clearances, funding models, including donor contributions and public-private partnerships, and sustainability measures. Once the study is completed, it will go to the TTD executive officer and Board for final approval. “A better queue system must mean more time for darshan and less time in the lines. That is what every pilgrim wishes for,” a long-time devotee from Chennai remarked. HIGHLIGHTS: – TTD is set to start a comprehensive technical study for VQC-3 approved in principle by the devasthanam board last month. – Tirumala receives 60,000–1,00,000 pilgrims daily, the number increasing during major festivals. This causes overcrowding in the existing VQC-1 and VQC-2. – Features proposed in the third queue complex include holding areas, waiting halls, restrooms, medical aid, devotional artwork, chanting zones, and inclusive movement corridors. – VQC-3 will be within the reach of transport hubs and temple facilities and address environmental and heritage concerns.
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