You can soon book Tirumala darshan on this WhatsApp number

The Andhra Pradesh government is planning to make the services available under its 'Mana Mitra' programme, popularly known as WhatsApp governance

Hyderabad:  Soon services related to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams like booking darshan tickets, rooms and offering donations will be available on WhatsApp making it easier for devotees.

The Andhra Pradesh government is planning to make the services available under its ‘Mana Mitra’ programme, popularly known as WhatsApp governance.

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The government plans to include services of other temples like Durga Malleswara Swamy Temple in Vijayawada, Srisailam, Srikalahasti, Simhachalam, Annavaram and Dwaraka Thirumala on WhatsApp.

To avail of the services, one needs to text ‘Hi’ to the government WhatsApp number 9552300009.

The chatbot will provide information about the darshans, pujas, donations, and other services of the selected temple. One has to follow instructions and choose from the available options.

A digital cash payment gateway will appear immediately and as soon as the cash payment is completed, a message will be sent to the ticket payer’s WhatsApp number. The devotees can download this ticket, take a printout and go to the relevant temples.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has said his government would also try to introduce train tickets into the initiative with the Centre’s permission.

The facility to book movie tickets and also live GPS tracking of APSRTC buses will be added to the WhatsApp number. The services will be available both in Telugu and English languages, and a voice service for those who cannot text on smartphones.

Around 2.64 lakh transactions were made through the WhatsApp service which was launched on January 30, according the the government. And soon a survey will be conducted throughout the State to check people’s experience with the facility.

The AP government has set a target to add another 161 more services in 45 days to the list in addition to same number of services currently available. Eventually, it wants to bring all government services to WhatsApp governance in the next six months.