With a clarion call from Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to harmonise traditional aesthetics with modern functionality, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is striving to make Tirumala a model pilgrimage centre under its “Vision 2047 Mission,” stated TTD Executive Officer (EO) J. Syamala Rao on Sunday.
Addressing the media at Annamaiah Bhavan in Tirumala, the EO highlighted the developmental initiatives undertaken over the past six months. Aligning with the “Swarna Andhra Vision 2047,” the TTD has invited proposals for the “Tirumala Vision 2047,” focusing on planned development, environmental sustainability, and heritage conservation.
The EO noted that while a zonal plan for Tirumala was prepared in 2019 under the TUDA Master Plan, it relied on outdated 2017 data and no longer meets current requirements. Hence, the TTD is revising the zonal development plan to address present and future needs. Reputed agencies have been invited to contribute to this transformative vision, which includes concept plans for 18 projects such as smart parking, new link roads, subways, and redevelopment of areas like Rambagicha and Balaji bus stands, as well as the Alipiri base camp.
Preserving sanctity
The EO outlined recent initiatives aimed at preserving the sanctity of Tirumala while enhancing pilgrim facilities. These include improving the quality of Laddu Prasadam with better ghee testing, providing round-the-clock Annaprasadam in queue lines, setting up donation kiosks, streamlining queue management, curbing encroachments, regulating eatery rates, and improving sanitation. “We’ve accomplished 10% so far and have much more to achieve,” he said.
To maintain Tirumala’s spiritual essence, the EO mentioned plans to adopt urban design guidelines ensuring aesthetic and sanctified constructions. Additionally, all donor rest houses will henceforth bear only divine names.
Embracing technology
To enhance transparency and efficiency, the TTD plans to automate accommodation, darshan, and other pilgrim services, replacing manual operations. An AI-powered chatbot is also under consideration to assist devotees.
The EO emphasised that the TTD’s ultimate goal is to enrich the pilgrim experience while safeguarding Tirumala’s cultural and spiritual heritage for future generations.
TTD Additional EO Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary, JEO Goutami, CVSO Sreedhar, CE Satyanarayana, and other officials were present at the
briefing.
