Integrated pilgrim township, modern transport facilities and improved infrastructure planned to enhance devotees’ experience
Amaravati, October 2926 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday reiterated his government’s commitment to developing Tirupati into a world-class spiritual centre, unveiling a series of infrastructure and pilgrim welfare projects worth ₹3,222 crore under the Tirupati Urban Development Authority (TUDA) and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
The Chief Minister virtually inaugurated projects and laid the foundation stones for new development works from the Secretariat, emphasising that Tirupati must offer devotees a safe, comfortable and spiritually enriching experience while emerging as a modern, well-planned urban centre.
The key initiative is an integrated pilgrim township, to be developed near SV Zoological Park Road at Alipiri in Tirupati at an estimated cost of ₹2,750 crore. The township will bring accommodation, free meals, resting facilities, transportation, parking, medical services and digital information centres together to meet the needs of devotees visiting Tirumala from across India and abroad.
Accommodation infrastructure worth ₹1,332 crore will be developed across four blocks, each comprising ten floors, with a total capacity of 2,700 rooms. The facilities are expected to accommodate approximately 15,000 devotees daily. The project aims to reduce pressure on accommodation facilities atop Tirumala while providing improved amenities to pilgrims in Tirupati.
Naidu underscored the spiritual significance of Annadanam, or the provision of free meals, describing it as one of the most sacred forms of service. Feeding hungry devotees and providing shelter to weary pilgrims, he said, was equivalent to serving the Almighty.
An Annaprasadam centre will be constructed at a cost of ₹160 crore, with the capacity to serve 6,000 devotees at a time. To address persistent parking challenges, a multi-level parking complex accommodating 4,500 vehicles will be developed at an estimated cost of ₹311 crore. An integrated transport terminal featuring 30 bus bays will also be established at a cost of ₹90 crore.
Road Network and Employee Welfare
Considering Tirupati’s expanding population, rising vehicular traffic and future infrastructure needs, nine master plan roads covering approximately 20 km will be developed at a cost of ₹242 crore. TUDA will construct 16.50 km of roads at an estimated cost of ₹127 crore, while TTD will develop another 3.60 km at a cost of ₹115 crore.
The roads are expected to strengthen connectivity between National Highways 140 and 71 and improve access for devotees visiting the Padmavathi Ammavari Temple at Tiruchanur.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the government’s commitment to the welfare of TTD employees and their families, recognising their dedication to Lord Venkateswara and the service of devotees.
Residential layouts are being developed across 418 acres to enable employees to own homes and live with dignity. Infrastructure facilities for residential plots allotted to 5,192 employees under the first and second phases will be provided at a cost of ₹230 crore. TTD will contribute ₹150 crore, while employees will contribute the remaining ₹80 crore.
Digital Services and Better Pilgrim Experience
Naidu directed officials to establish a Pilgrim Experience Centre to familiarise visitors with Tirumala’s history, the significance of Lord Venkateswara and the region’s spiritual traditions.
He also called for modern digital information centres, emergency medical assistance facilities and upgraded security systems. Officials were instructed to ensure that devotees receive comprehensive information and return home with a satisfying spiritual experience.
The Chief Minister launched the Venkatadri app, designed to provide information and assistance to pilgrims, as part of efforts to improve access to services through digital technology.
Naidu emphasised that Tirupati’s development must extend beyond its role as a pilgrimage destination. The city should evolve into an integrated urban centre that combines spirituality with environmental conservation, modern technology, education, employment and tourism.
He further stressed that the sacred atmosphere associated with Tirumala should be reflected throughout Tirupati, ensuring that infrastructure expansion and urban development remain aligned with the city’s religious and cultural identity.
The proposed projects are expected to improve pilgrim amenities, strengthen urban connectivity and support Tirupati’s emergence as a major spiritual and tourism destination.
