APSRTC has opened its help desk and ticket counter at Tirupati Railway Station on Monday. This will facilitate the rail passengers bound for Tirumala to take tickets at the counter and board the bus here itself. Passengers can also show their road-cum-rail ticket here to board the bus for Tirumala.

APSRTC Regional Manager T Chengal Reddy and Additional SP B Sreenivasulu have inaugurated the counter. Speaking on the occasion, APSRTC RM said that they have opened the counter for the benefit of pilgrims with the cooperation extended by railway authorities and Police officials and were ready to extend more services for pilgrims in future. He said that the counter will function round-the-clock.

He expressed thanks to the Chief Commercial Manager (CCM) of South Central Railway Gunasekhar for providing necessary approvals. Tirupati Station Director K Satyanarayana also took part in the programme.

The passengers for Tirumala have to pay Rs 53 for single trip ticket which would be Rs 41 for senior citizens. On return journey ticket, a concession of Rs 10 will be given to the pilgrims and that return ticket will be valid for three days. RM said.