Did V-P Radhakrishnan Unveil a New Pilgrim Amenities Centre at Tirumala?
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Synopsis
On September 25, Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu unveiled a state-of-the-art pilgrim amenities centre at Tirumala, enhancing the experience for thousands of devotees. The facility offers free accommodation, modern amenities, and innovative technology, reflecting a commitment to improving the pilgrimage experience in Andhra Pradesh.
Key Takeaways
- State-of-the-art facilities for pilgrims.
- Free accommodation for 4,000 devotees.
- Modern amenities, including 24/7 hot water.
- Technological advancements to streamline services.
- Commitment to cleanliness and greenery in Tirumala.
Tirupati, Sep 25 (NationPress) Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu officially opened a new pilgrim amenities centre at Tirumala in Tirupati district on Thursday.
The Venkatadri Nilayam amenities centre has been built at an investment of Rs 102 crore by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which oversees the renowned hill shrine.
This new facility includes 16 dormitories and 2,400 lockers, offering complimentary accommodation for up to 4,000 pilgrims who arrive at Tirumala without prior reservations.
The centre features two dining halls that can accommodate 1,400 guests and a mini 'Kalyanakatta' (tonsuring centre) for 80 pilgrims.
Spanning 2,69,617 square feet, the complex is equipped with modern toilet facilities, 24/7 hot water, and a total of 216 toilets, 216 bathrooms, and 12 facilities for the physically challenged. Each floor has a continuous R.O. water supply and 10 high-speed elevators.
After the inauguration, both the Vice-President and the Chief Minister toured the complex to assess the amenities available to the devotees.
Chief Minister Naidu presented the first accommodation token to a female devotee.
They also observed the tonsuring activity, the locker allotment system, and the operation of two AI-enabled identification and sorting machines installed at the centre, which allow pilgrims to dispose of tetra-packs and snack wrappers using UPI/QR code.
Additionally, they inaugurated the innovative double-chute, vision-based colour sorting machines at the Srivari Potu, designed to efficiently sort and eliminate impurities from ingredients (excluding sugar) used in making laddu and other prasadams. These machines were developed by Genn Solutions in Coimbatore and donated by TVS company.
Later, Chief Minister Naidu urged TTD officials to implement strategies to minimize waiting times for darshan to enhance the experience for devotees.
He also inaugurated the Integrated Command Control at the Vaikuntam queue complex.
When informed that 4,500 devotees are currently receiving darshan of Lord Venkateshwara each hour, he emphasized that this number should be elevated to 5,500 through technology.
He insisted on strict monitoring at the Alipiri gate to prevent the entry of liquor and other forbidden items into Tirumala.
Chief Minister Naidu stated that the flow of devotees should be managed effectively through the command control centre, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and greenery in Tirumala, with cleanliness being monitored through the command control centre.
He also called for the development of greenery in Tirumala to reach 90 percent.
Ministers Nara Lokesh, Anam Ram Narayana Reddy, TTD Board Chairman B.R. Naidu, and Executive Officer Anil Kumar Singhal were present at the event.
Point of View
It is essential to highlight that the inauguration of the new pilgrim amenities centre at Tirumala is a significant development for devotees. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to improving infrastructure and services, ensuring a more comfortable and efficient experience for visitors to this revered site. Such advancements not only enhance the spiritual journey but also boost tourism in Andhra Pradesh.
NationPress
25/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities does the new centre provide?
The new pilgrim amenities centre provides free accommodation for 4,000 pilgrims, modern toilet facilities, dining halls, and a mini tonsuring centre.
What is the capacity of the dormitories?
The centre includes 16 dormitories, which are designed to accommodate a significant number of devotees comfortably.
How does the technology enhance the experience?
Innovative AI-enabled machines are installed for efficient waste disposal, and the command control centre aims to manage the flow of devotees effectively.
