TTD clears ₹118.89 crore overhaul for pilgrim services, education and security
The Board of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Saturday approved a series of measures to strengthen pilgrim amenities, education, infrastructure, and security.
TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu, speaking with Executive Officer M. Ravichandra, said the Board sanctioned ₹118.89 crore to upgrade TTD-run educational institutions. The plan includes digital classrooms, new hostel blocks, kitchen upgrades, and better infrastructure. The proposals align with the vision of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
The Board launched a pilot of the “Srivari Mudupu Patram Scheme.” Devotees can now make vow payments through UPI at designated counters and drop the receipt into the hundi. This step reduces cash handling.
TTD will build an advanced Annaprasadam complex and a modern kitchen in Tirumala. Reliance Industries Limited has proposed a donation of ₹100–120 crore for the project. The Board also revised SRIVANI Trust guidelines to address rising temple construction costs.
At Vontimitta, the Board approved a ₹20.17 crore dry island project to install a 108-foot Jambavantha statue. For the annual Brahmotsavams, TTD will provide free Tirumala Srivari Laddu Prasadam to about 70,000 devotees attending the Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam on April 1. It set aside ₹4.25 crore for lighting, public address systems, and LED displays.
TTD will strengthen security across its locations. It will deploy over 700 personnel through the Army Welfare Placement Organisation. It will also install X-ray baggage scanners and door frame metal detectors at Alipiri at a cost of ₹8 crore. In Tirupati, TTD will establish a ₹10.75 crore Command and Control Centre to monitor its institutions nationwide.
The Board also cleared development works at goshalas and the Sri Venkateswara Incubation Centre. It approved the promotion of 51 Paricharakas as Archakas. It sanctioned a Divya Kshetram in Parvathipuram Manyam district and civic improvements around the Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple.
TTD warned that it will take strict legal action against those who spread false or misleading content about Tirumala on social media. It said such actions hurt the sentiments of devotees.