TTD revises rates to keep hotels in check

Tirupati: In a big relief to devotees in Tirumala, the TTD has warned hotels to cut down the prices and implement the fixed rate norm. The decision was taken by TTD after the High Court asked them to take action against the hotels fleecing devotees. The TTD had given a price list in 2011. But it was not followed by hotels in the hill town.

Devotees have started to get food for a normal price from Thursday. A meeting was held with the hotel management in Tirumala on Wednesday. They have been given instructions to follow the price list given by TTD. They were warned of action if the norm is not adhered to. The TTD has told the court that a new policy will be initiated from the next tendering process. There are two categories. In the first category, hotels can charge their own prices and in the second category prices will be fixed by TTD.

JEO K. S. Srinivasa Raju said, “The new price list will be updated in the tender which may be floated by month-end.” Meanwhile, the hotel managements expressed concern over the TTDs decision. The hotel managements said that the prices of raw materials have increased from 2011 to 2017. A few of them felt that most of the rates are too low.