BizAndhra Bureau
The Sri Venkateswara Museum in Tirumala has been modernised to international standards with a contribution of ₹145 crore from Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
TIRUMALA: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is gearing up to conduct the annual Srivari Salakatla Brahmotsavams on a grand scale from September 15, with a series of major infrastructure and pilgrim-oriented projects lined up for inauguration and foundation-laying.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who is scheduled to present silk robes to Lord Venkateswara on behalf of the Andhra Pradesh government on the opening day of the Brahmotsavams, is expected to inaugurate and lay the foundation for several projects in Tirumala and Tirupati. The combined value of the works is estimated at more than ₹900 crore.
TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu, Executive Officer M. Ravichandra and Additional Executive Officer Venkaiah Chowdary are overseeing the projects to ensure their timely completion.
Venkateswara Museum gets international-standard makeover
The Sri Venkateswara Museum in Tirumala has been modernised to international standards with a contribution of ₹145 crore from Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
The revamped museum incorporates state-of-the-art technology, including 3D and 7D experiences, and comprises 19 galleries – 14 developed by TCS and five based on map systems. The upgraded museum is scheduled to be inaugurated during the Brahmotsavams.
₹12.85-crore biogas plant near Kakulamanu Tippa
TTD, in association with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), has constructed a biogas plant at Kakulamanu Tippa at a cost of ₹12.85 crore. The facility, built under the supervision of Bengaluru-based GPS Renewables, is currently undergoing trial operations.
Biogas generated at the plant is being supplied through a dedicated pipeline to the Vakulamatha Annaprasadam Complex, helping provide an alternative energy source for the large-scale preparation of food for pilgrims.
The newly developed Tirumala–Papavinasanam road is also expected to be opened as part of the planned initiatives.
Anant Ambani to provide 25 electric buses
Anant Ambani, son of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, has agreed to provide 25 electric buses at a cost of ₹27.5 crore for the convenience of pilgrims visiting Tirumala.
A charging station will be established in Tirumala to support the electric bus fleet. Reliance will also recruit and pay the salaries of 50 drivers for operating the buses. Electric buses provided by other donors may also be formally launched during the celebrations.
₹120-crore AI-integrated high-tech kitchen
The Chief Minister is also expected to lay the foundation stone for a new AI-integrated high-tech kitchen to be constructed next to the existing Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba Annaprasadam Complex in Tirumala.
The facility is being developed with an estimated investment of ₹120 crore, with support from the Reliance group. Work is also under way to relocate the LPG gas plant in the area to the Ring Road.
The proposed high-tech kitchen is expected to modernise food preparation and support the large-scale provision of Annaprasadam to pilgrims.
Gold coin to mark 310 years of Srivari Laddu
The TTD is also planning to issue a special gold coin to mark 310 years since the preparation of the Srivari Laddu Prasadam began.
The coin is being specially designed and is proposed to be released by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu during the Brahmotsavams.
₹600-crore pilgrim accommodation projects in Tirupati
In Tirupati, the Chief Minister is expected to inaugurate the Sripadam and Achyutham accommodation complexes, constructed to provide additional accommodation for pilgrims.
Built at an estimated cost of ₹600 crore, the two complexes are expected to provide accommodation for around 10,000 pilgrims.
With the museum modernisation, renewable-energy infrastructure, electric buses, high-tech kitchen, pilgrim accommodation and road connectivity projects being taken up simultaneously, the Brahmotsavams are set to coincide with the launch of several major initiatives aimed at improving pilgrim services and infrastructure in Tirumala and Tirupati.