TTD introduces Balaji Baggage Management System' for devotees
With Balaji Baggage Management System (BBMS), devotees can deposit mobiles and luggage for short durations and can take after temple visit and prayers
Tirupati: The TTD has introduced the Balaji Baggage Management System (BBMS) as part of the efforts to enhance the pilgrimage experience in Tirumala. This automated system simplifies devotees’ luggage and their mobile phone ‘deposits’ for short durations and their retrieval after the temple visit and prayers.
TTD executive officer A.V. Dharma Reddy, along with TTD chief vigilance officer Narasimha Kishore, said this system would offer a seamless and efficient solution to the luggage management process.
In the past, there were complaints that devotees faced delays while depositing their belongings. Hence, they often opted to carry their mobile phones concealed in their pockets.
“Devotees' Darshan tickets are now scanned and digitally stored, along with details of their luggage and mobile phones. For those without Darshan tickets, a unique Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) code is generated upon scanning the goods, accompanied by a QR code receipt. For mobile phone deposits, the system collects the devotees' Aadhaar details, along with Srivari Darshan tickets and QR codes, facilitating efficient tracking and retrieval,” he said.
The integration of GPS technology into the luggage vehicles makes the luggage retrieval process for the devotees simple.
“Devotees receive SMS notifications about the estimated time of arrival of their belongings. Upon reaching the luggage counters, the QR code receipts are scanned at display kiosks, and this triggers an immediate display of luggage availability on the screens through a colour-coded system. The luggage is then loaded onto trolleys and sent to appropriate counters,” the EO said.
The system is operational on a trial basis for a month. On a day, about 60,000 mobiles and 40,000 baggage items are deposited and delivered in a hassle-free manner through 44 counters at 16 centres.
TTD CVSO Narasimha Kishore said the entire system was commissioned with the support of donors. “Donors like Venugopal V Kota from Bengaluru contributed '1 crore towards the software, while V. Somasekhar, CEO of M/s Track-It from Hyderabad, provided '17 lakh for the software application. Additionally, Jose Charles Martin, MD of M&C Property Development from Chennai, donated '2 crore for the hardware infrastructure,” the vigilance chief said.