TTD and SCR officials discuss modalities to develop station

Tirupati: After extensive discussions on the development of Tirupati railway station, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has decided to work along with the South Central Railways. Guntakal Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Tejpal Singh, TTD chairman K Bapiraju and Executive Officer LV Subramanyam discussed on the issue at Padmavathi Guest House here on Monday. The railway officials explained on the issues of the extension of Tirupati railway station, facilities to passengers, and arrangement of south entrance to top TTD officials. They also discussed on removing two or three choultries on DR Mahal road and the type of buildings to be constructed there. Task Force Committee has earlier decided to construct a road on south side as there is no vehicle parking area in the main entrance to the railway station. TTD officials agreed formally to remove the two choultries. Later, speaking with the media, EO LV Subramanyam said TTD has decided to construct a building complex with latest facilities in the place of Govindraraja Swamy choultries. According to him, TTD has also agreed upon to give a portion of this land of TTD on lease for the construction of four-lane road joining railway station and Rayala Cheruvu road. TTD is ready to give a portion of this multi complex to railway department on rent basis. TTD chairman Bapiraju said devotees coming from far off places play a key role in the development of Tirupati. About 70,000 passengers travel via Tirupati railway station daily. Railway Ministry has allotted Rs 48 crores to Tirupati railway station in 2013 budget. Though it has been announced to change the Tirupati railway station as an international one but, he felt it is not possible at this juncture. "We will lease out the land by demolishing I and II NC Chowltries located behind railway station to the railway authorities. They will construct Yatri Sadan with parking facility and other developmental activities with an estimated budget of Rs 48 crores", he added. Guntakal DRM Singh said the Indian Railways is keen on developing Tirupati railway station with the cooperation of TTD. With the formal nod from TTD, plan of action will be prepared after a meeting with District Collector, Municipal Commissioner, TUDA VC and Urban SP on April 10, he added. Tirupati JEO Venkatrami Reddy, TTD Chief Engineer Chandrasekhar Reddy, Tirupati railway station Manager Kurma Rao and others participated in the meeting.