Tirupati: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) would set up 30 more counters in the Laddu Complex at Tirumala at a cost of ₹5.25 crore to avoid the present delay in laddu distribution.
TTD trust board chairman YV Subba Reddy told the media after releasing the TTD’s annual budget 2023-24 at Tirumala on Wednesday that a board meeting decided this on February 15 but an announcement was held back due to the MLC elections code. TTD executive officer A.V. Dharma Reddy, was also present.
The TTD chairman said Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy would inaugurate the Srinivasa Setu after completion of the final phase of works. The CM, on behalf of the state government, would present silk vastrams to the presiding deities at the Vontimitta temple on April 5, marking the state festival of Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam.
He said that the trust board meeting has also given the nod for laying a road between Alipiri to the Vakulamatha temple for convenience of the devotees.
The board has also resolved to release ₹4.70 crore towards construction of the Lord Venkateswara temple at Ulundurpet in Tamil Nadu and ₹4.71 crore towards development of the SGS Arts College in Tirupati.
The chairman said the changed VIP break darshan timing will continue as such, as over 95 per cent of the common pilgrims had given their thumbs up to the existing method. This has drastically reduced the waiting hours of the darshan and decreased the pressure on accommodation.
TTD is aiming to reduce the number of Srivani tickets during these three months to enable the common pilgrims have more darshan time. He said the summer pilgrim rush was set to increase in April, May and June. VIPs are requested to reduce their referrals and enable more common pilgrims to have darshan, he added.
