Rule to Impact All Devotees Driving to Tirumala
TTD officials have confirmed that vehicles without FASTag will not be allowed to proceed beyond the Alipiri Checkpost, the main entry point to Tirumala. Visitors without FASTag will need to park at the base and take a bus service uphill.
Authorities have urged devotees to ensure their FASTag is installed and functional before arrival to avoid delays. A dedicated FASTag installation counter will be available near the Alipiri inspection centre for last-minute fittings.
Why FASTag is Being Made Mandatory
The decision comes as thousands of vehicles pass through Alipiri daily, causing bottlenecks. The FASTag system is expected to speed up toll transactions, enhance surveillance, and ensure transparency in fee collection.
According to TTD, the move is in line with nationwide efforts to digitise toll collection and improve travel efficiency. FASTag is already mandatory on most national highways in India.
FASTag is a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-based electronic toll collection system. It is a small sticker fixed to the vehicle’s windscreen, linked to a prepaid account or bank wallet. When scanned at a toll point, the toll fee is automatically deducted, eliminating the need for cash transactions.
For devotees travelling in their own vehicles, the absence of FASTag will mean additional travel time and the inconvenience of shifting to public transport for the final leg of the journey.
TTD’s Appeal to Pilgrims
TTD has appealed to all visitors to adopt FASTag well before the Independence Day deadline. Officials believe the new measure will ensure smoother pilgrim movement, reduce waiting time at checkpoints, and enhance the overall darshan experience.
This initiative reflects TTD’s ongoing efforts to combine tradition with technology for the benefit of millions of devotees who visit the temple every year.