Lucknow: The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust (SRJBTK) has expanded online availability of Sugam Darshan passes and introduced a new booking system that will allow devotees to reserve passes up to 90 days in advance.The number of online Sugam Darshan passes available to the general public has been increased from the existing daily quota of 975 to 2,000. Office-bearers from the trust said availability may be further expanded after reviewing demand and back-office arrangements.Currently, passes can be booked only 15 days before the visit. Under the new system, devotees, especially those travelling from distant places, will be able to plan their journeys, accommodation and rail reservations much earlier while availing themselves of the benefits of the changed system if they are able to secure the slot of their visit to the temple in advance.An additional tatkal category (immediate quota) will provide same-day passes to the visitors who land into the city without planning and are interested in bowing before the Ram Lalla idol. The Trust has also evolved a staggered release schedule to consider the visit of a devotee during the 90-day window to cater to the demand of various segments of society.To prevent misuse and ensure fair access, a verification-based booking system is being introduced. Advance applications will undergo technical scrutiny, with applicants expected to receive confirmation within 24 to 48 hours once they are able to successfully secure a slot. Tatkal passes, however, will continue to be confirmed within the given timeframe. The new system was proposed during the recently concluded review meeting of the construction committee and was accepted by all the stakeholders.Reiterating that Sugam Darshan passes are completely free, the Trust announced a dedicated helpline and email facility to share details of individuals or agents who demand money or mislead the devotees to generate the passes. The Trust has advised devotees to obtain passes only through the authorised online portal of the trust and avoid intermediaries. It added that stronger security measures are also being implemented to prevent unauthorised bookings and other irregularities.
