On the first day of new year, Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam (TTD) is expecting more than a lakh devotees arriving for darshan.

“We will reduce the number of `protocol' VIPs to around 6,000. We will begin the 'Laghu Darshan' quite early to clear the extra rush,” TTD chairman Chadalavada Krishnamurthy told Times of India.

The decision was taken keeping in mind the past criticism from general pilgrims.

Normally, it takes more than a day for the darshan, but this year, they have decided to reduce the waiting period to six hours.

To make sure every devotee get darshan in lesser time standing in queue, TTD has taken several measures.

It has reportedly cancelled the `Arjita Sevas', and special darshan for senior citizens and people with small children.

Out of the 7000 rooms available in Tirumala, 2000 rooms have been booked through advance reservations. TTD has cut down the number of rooms by half for advance booking in view of the rush.

They expect more devotees as the New Year falls on Sunday.

Almost 11,000 tickets were sold online for special darshan.

To make the darshan convenient for the devotees, 16 separate counters have been set up in Narayanagiri gardens. Also separate counters will be opened at Padmavatinagar area.

They have also introduced mobile toilets for the convenience of women devotees.  

While VIPs with protocol will get six VIP darshan tickets each, MPs, MLAs, MLCs and officials will get four tickets each