TempleAdministration – TTD Board Clears Major Infrastructure and Pilgrim Welfare Initiatives
TempleAdministration –The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board has approved a wide-ranging set of decisions aimed at improving pilgrim services, strengthening temple administration, expanding Vedic education, and upgrading infrastructure across Tirumala, Tirupati, and Vontimitta.
Donor Policy Revised for Greater Transparency
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board on Tuesday introduced several significant resolutions during its latest meeting, focusing on transparency, infrastructure expansion, and religious initiatives. Speaking after the meeting, TTD Chairman BR Naidu and Executive Officer Muddada Ravichandra said a revised framework governing donor privileges would come into force from midnight on Tuesday. The board clarified that while the new policy is intended to make trust management more transparent, the rights and benefits already granted to existing donors will remain unchanged.
Recruitment of Hundreds of Vedic Scholars
As part of its efforts to promote traditional Vedic learning, the board approved the appointment of 791 Vedic scholars under the Veda Parayanam Scheme. These scholars will be posted at prominent temples across Andhra Pradesh to ensure continuous recitation of the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvana Veda. The initiative is expected to strengthen the preservation of ancient traditions while supporting regular temple rituals.
Infrastructure Projects Approved for Vontimitta Temple
The board also sanctioned multiple projects for the Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple at Vontimitta. It approved the use of one kilogram of gold from the TTD treasury to prepare golden protective armours for the temple’s principal deities. In addition, a tender worth Rs 17.84 crore received approval for the construction of a 100-room pilgrim amenities complex. Another allocation of Rs 2.11 crore was cleared to acquire over 6,100 square feet of land required for widening the North-East Mada Street surrounding the temple.
Better Facilities Planned for Pilgrims
To improve facilities for devotees visiting Tirumala, the board sanctioned Rs 6.31 crore for permanent shelters, queue management areas, and toilet facilities near the Alwar Tank region for pilgrims holding Slotted Sarva Darshan tokens. A separate project worth Rs 2.77 crore was approved for the construction of a double-lane bridge aimed at improving access and strengthening connectivity around the Kumaradhara and Pasupudhara dams.
The board also accepted a Rs 2.50 crore tender to complete the Salaharam structure on the Mukha Mandapam and finish the compound wall at the Sri Tatayyagunta Gangamma Temple in Tirupati.
Green Energy and Museum Development
In an effort to encourage sustainable energy, the board approved the installation of an 800 KW wind turbine generator near the GNC area. The project, to be donated by Wish Wind Infrastructure, will provide free electricity to TTD for the next 25 years.
Another important decision relates to the SV Museum in Tirumala. The board fixed the entry fee at Rs 50, inclusive of GST, for visitors above the age of 12 years. It also decided to approach the TATA Group with a proposal to manage and maintain the museum in the future.
Environmental and Administrative Measures
The TTD board approved Rs 5 crore for scientific bio-remediation and bio-mining to remove solid waste that has accumulated over nearly 25 years in the Kakulamanutippa forest area. Additional funds of Rs 2.35 crore were sanctioned for fire safety maintenance across Tirumala and Tirupati, while Rs 2.91 crore was approved for infrastructure improvements and Facility Management Services at the Octopus security base camp.
The board further authorised the printing of 10 lakh diaries, 13.50 lakh 12-page calendars, and 75,000 six-page calendars for distribution during 2027.
On the administrative front, approval was granted to demolish 12 old and unsafe cottages at the TBC and ATC complexes so that new accommodation can be built with donor support. The board also enhanced remuneration for artists associated with various TTD cultural programmes based on skill levels and decided to recommend to the state government that 65 server posts in the canteen division be upgraded to catering supervisor positions.