CM Naidu sets two-year deadline for TTD township development

Tirupati: TTD Chairman BR Naidu said the proposed integrated township development by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is expected to significantly reduce congestion on Tirumala hills and provide better facilities for pilgrims and local residents. Speaking at the virtual foundation stone laying ceremony for various TTD projects by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday, the TTD chairman expressed happiness that the township proposal, under consideration since 2018, was now moving towards implementation.

The Chief Minister directed TTD to develop parks, a zoological park, hospitals and other infrastructure in and around the township in phases. He stressed the need for comprehensive planning, modern facilities and completion of the works within two years.

TTD Executive Officer M Ravichandra said the first phase of the township project would cover layout of 5,112 plot owners at an estimated cost of Rs 230 crore. The works would include drinking water supply, underground sewerage, drainage, internal roads, a sewage treatment plant, an overhead water tank and an electrical substation. The project is proposed to be implemented with the participation of TTD and its employees.

He said plans were also being prepared to develop four residential blocks with two, three and four-bedroom housing units suited to middle- and low-income groups, with facilities intended to serve around 30,000 people.

An integrated transport terminal is also proposed to provide pilgrims with essential services at one location upon arrival. It will include a spiritual experience centre, healthcare facilities, shopping and other amenities. TTD is also examining special transport and security arrangements to simplify the pilgrim movement and explore options to bypass the Alipiri check-post when required.

TTD Additional EO Ch Venkaiah Chowdary said an AI assistant integrated with Google Maps had been developed to help pilgrims locate important places and services in Tirumala. Through voice commands, users can obtain directions, estimated travel time and details of nearby facilities. The application supports Telugu, English, Kannada, Tamil and Hindi.

District Collector S Venkateswar said nine master plan roads would be developed under TUDA limits at an estimated cost of Rs 242.12 crore using TUDA and TTD funds. Of these, three roads connecting the Chennai national highway to Sri Padmavathi Ammavari temple at Tiruchanoor would be developed over 3.6 km at an estimated cost of Rs 115 crore. The works include two new roads along Swarnamukhi river and widening an existing road.

He said plans were also being prepared to develop hotels, convention centres and IT parks on land in the Settipalli area. A proposal to allocate 20 acres to the Andhra Cricket Association for an international cricket stadium was also under consideration.

TUDA Chairman C Divakar Reddy, Tirupati MLA Arani Srinivasulu and Chandragiri MLA Pulivarthi Nani called for integrated development of roads, parking facilities, educational institutions and industrial areas.

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