VIJAYAWADA: To address the growing influx of devotees at Tirumala, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board resolved to form an expert committee to assess the feasibility of constructing Vaikuntham Queue Complex-3 to streamline crowd management.
Plans are also underway to establish well-equipped rest centres (lounges) across Tirumala for enhanced devotee comfort. This innovative lounge initiative will cater to a diverse range of pilgrims, including VVIPs and VIPs, as well as those with free tokens and Rs 300 Sheeghra Darshan tickets, with a special focus on meeting the immediate needs of Srivani Donor Darshan ticket holders.
The TTD has also noted a growing demand for such facilities among VVIPs, prompting the board to develop detailed plans, and identify suitable locations.
Additionally, a master plan and detailed project report (DPR) will be developed to further enhance the Shila Thoranam and Chakratheertham areas in Tirumala.
TTD allocates Rs 4.35 cr for Annaprasadam at Vontimitta temple
The Board has allocated Rs 4.35 crore to ensure a continuous supply of Annaprasadam (free meals) for devotees at the Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple in Vontimitta, a significant step to enhance devotee welfare.
Disclosing it during a media briefing alongside Executive Officer J Shyamala Rao after a key meeting at Annamayya Bhavan in Tirumala on Tuesday, TTD chairman BR Naidu explained that infrastructure upgrades, including improved lighting, security, and a spiritually enriching ambiance, will be implemented along the Alipiri and Srivari Mettu pedestrian pathways.
In line with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s vision to globalise Lord Venkateswara’s legacy, a sub-committee will review recommendations for constructing temples abroad. To bolster the Srivari Seva volunteer program, four coordinator positions will be filled on a contract basis.
A cybersecurity lab will be established to safeguard devotees from online fraud. At Tirumala’s Kalyanakatta, where tonsure offerings are made, TTD will consult experts to improve facilities, hygiene, and security through a detailed action plan.
The board approved a new centralised administrative building in Tirumala to streamline operations and the demolition of outdated structures, including six blocks of HVDC, Balaji Rest House, Ampro Guest House, Annapurna Canteen, and Kalyani Choultry, based on IIT expert recommendations.
In Tallapaka, the birthplace of saint-poet Annamayya, an action plan for infrastructure development will be crafted with expert input. The meeting was attended by Additional Executive Officer Ch Venkayya Chowdary, Joint Executive Officer Veerabrahmam, and several board members, reflecting TTD’s dedication to improving devotee services and temple administration.
Food Quality Testing Lab inaugurated in Tirumala
TTD Chairman B R Naidu on Tuesday inaugurated the newly established Food Quality Testing Laboratory in Tirumala.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman said that earlier, samples had to be sent to other states to test the quality of items such as prasadams and ghee. However, a state-of-the-art laboratory has now been set up in Tirumala itself, enabling direct quality testing.
TTD Executive Officer Syamala Rao noted that until now, there was no facility to test the quality of ghee in Tirumala.
For the first time, advanced equipment such as GC (Gas Chromatograph) and HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatograph) has been installed. These machines can instantly detect adulteration and determine the quality percentage of ghee.
He added that the equipment, worth Rs 75 lakh, was donated by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) of Gujarat.
Furthermore, he said that the lab staff and Potu (temple kitchen) workers had undergone special training at CFTRI in Mysuru. Henceforth, arrangements have been made to test the quality of prasadams in this lab and provide immediate results.
Other important decisions
Allocation of Rs 79.82 lakh to provide free microphone sets, each costing Rs 25,000, to 320 newly built temples under the Samarasata Seva Foundation
Approval of Rs 2.16 crore from TTD funds to provide unemployment stipend to Vedic scholars through the Endowments Department
Restructuring of funding for Sri Venkateswara temples and bhajana mandirs in SC, ST, and backward areas under the Sri Vani Trust into three categories: Rs 10 lakh, Rs 15 lakh, and Rs 20 lakh
Regularisation of 142 contract drivers in TTD, as per the Andhra Pradesh High Court’s verdict, subject to government approval