Better facilities for Tirupati pilgrims planned

The system which prevails only during `brahmaotsavam’ would be extended on all festive occasions and week-ends after diligent study. It may be noted here that on an average, the abode of Lord Venkateshwara attracts 60,000 pilgrims per day from across the country.

MKR Vinayak, TTD executive officer told media persons today that “dispensing of VIP-break darshan” on Saturdays and Sundays worked well and more pilgrims could get darshan. He said once the system is streamlined, it would also pave way for effectiveaccommodation for pilgrims.

In view of heavy congregation of pilgrims during the annual ten-day `brahmotsava’ of the lord commencing from tomorrow, the TTD has decided to provide only one laddu to each devotee, irrespective of age. However, a stock of more than one lakh laddus would be maintained during all the festival days, he added.

An additional dining hall is thrown open on this occasion for free meals to more than 30,000 devotees per day at its massive `Nithyanandana’ canteen. Besides, the TTD and some private hotels would supply free `pulihora’ packets to pilgrims inside the complex and those who reach Tirumala walking by the path.

Vinayak appealed to VVIP devotees to avoid visiting the hill shrine during the `brahmotsava’ because of heavy pilgrim influx. The TTD also may not be in a position to render protocol. For accommodation, Vinayak said this year, the newly constructed complex and extended wing of first `choultry’ block would provide additional accommodation to more than 5,000 pilgrims perday. The complex would be inaugurated by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Garudotsavam Day (Sept 27) when he visits the temple to offer silk `vasthram’ to the lord on behalf of the state government, an age-old tradition.

Meanwhile, the TTD has liberally illuminated both Tirumala and Tirupathi towns, erecting about 40 colourful arches at several junctions, besides on the ghat road leading to the lord’s abode.

Exclusively for the pilgrims choosing to trek the hills, the TTD has introduced free bus service every 15 minutes from the local railway station to the Alipri junction, the entry to Tirumala.