TTD to prioritise education, security and pilgrim amenities

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Chairperson B.R. Naidu on Saturday (February 28) announced a series of far-reaching decisions aimed at strengthening pilgrim services, education, infrastructure and security across the temple administration, signalling what he described as a comprehensive push towards modernisation rooted in tradition.

Addressing the media along with Executive Officer M. Ravichandra, he said the Board had approved an allocation of ₹118.89 crore to upgrade TTD-run educational institutions in line with the vision of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. The proposals encompass the introduction of digital classrooms, construction of additional hostel blocks, modernisation of kitchens and significant infrastructure improvements.

The Board also cleared the pilot launch of the “Srivari Mudupu Patram Scheme,” enabling pilgrims to make vow-related payments through UPI at designated counters and deposit the receipt directly into the hundi, thereby reducing dependence on cash.

A major addition to pilgrim amenities will be the construction of an advanced Annaprasadam complex and a state-of-the-art kitchen in Tirumala, with a proposed donation of ₹100–120 crore from Reliance Industries Limited. The Board also revised guidelines of the SRIVANI Trust in view of the escalating construction costs of temple structures such as prakarams and rajagopurams.

At Vontimitta, approval was accorded for a ₹20.17 crore dry island project to install a 108-foot Jambavantha statue. For the annual Brahmotsavams, about 70,000 devotees attending the Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam on April 1 will receive free Tirumala Srivari Laddu Prasadam, with ₹4.25 crore sanctioned for illumination, public address systems and LED displays.

Security infrastructure will see a significant upgrade with the deployment of over 700 personnel through the Army Welfare Placement Organisation, installation of X-ray baggage scanners and door frame metal detectors at Alipiri at a cost of ₹8 crore, and the establishment of a ₹10.75 crore Command and Control Centre in Tirupati to monitor TTD institutions nationwide.

The Board further cleared development works at goshalas and the Sri Venkateswara Incubation Centre, proposals for promotion of 51 Paricharakas as Archakas, allocation for a Divya Kshetram in Parvathipuram Manyam district and civic improvements around the Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple.

TTD also warned of stringent legal action against those spreading false and misleading content about Tirumala on social media, stating that such acts hurt the sentiments of devotees.