In a significant push towards digitalization and infrastructure development, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has announced a series of major initiatives aimed at enhancing devotee convenience and expanding its religious footprint. The decisions were taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by TTD Executive Officer Anil Kumar Singhal in Tirupati.
Digital Push for Devotee Convenience
To streamline the donation and payment process for pilgrims, EO Anil Kumar Singhal has issued directives for the installation of UPI kiosk machines and QR codes across all 60 TTD-administered temples in the country. This move is expected to make transactions significantly easier for devotees, aligning with the national digital payment ecosystem. The instructions were given during a meeting with senior officials on Monday at the TTD administrative building in Tirupati.
Major Infrastructure and Development Plans
The review meeting covered a wide array of developmental projects. A key focus was on the ambitious plan to construct 5,000 new temples in backward regions. To expedite this massive project, the EO asked the chief engineer to prepare two to three standard design models. This standardization is intended to speed up the construction process significantly.
Furthermore, modernization works for the TTD staff quarters located in Vinayaka Nagar, Tirupati, have been ordered to be carried out on a fast-track basis. The EO also stressed the need to expedite the installation of CCTV cameras across facilities and ensure there are no delays in settling contractors' bills to maintain project momentum.
Temple-Specific Directives and Devotee Services
Officials received specific instructions for several temples. For the Appalayagunta temple, the installation of proper information boards for devotees was mandated. Repairs to the movable bridge inside the Srivari temple must be completed before the upcoming Vaikuntha Ekadasi festival.
Regarding the Bandra temple in Mumbai, the EO asked the Joint Executive Officer (JEO), Chief Engineer (CE), and other concerned officials to conduct a field inspection and take necessary corrective measures. Special officers appointed for local temples were instructed to coordinate with relevant departments for the prompt development of their assigned temples.
In a bid to improve services, a system for collecting devotee feedback, similar to the one in place at Tirumala, will be implemented at the Tiruchanoor and Tirupati Govindaraja Swamy temples. The EO also directed officials to coordinate with authorities in Belagavi, Karnataka, for temple construction and in Patna, Bihar, for the allotment of land for a proposed Srivari temple.
Focus on Publications and Committee Formation
On the matter of religious publications, the EO called for the formation of an expert committee to provide recommendations on distributing previously printed books. The JEO was directed to oversee the reprinting of high-demand publications according to readers' preferences.
The review meeting was attended by key TTD officials including JEO Veerabrahmam, CV&SO Muralikrishna, FA & CAO Balaji, chief engineer Satyanarayana, and deputy CF Phani Kumar Naidu, among others.
