Latest news with #JShyamalaRao
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
TTD plans to build lounges across Tirumala
VIJAYAWADA: To address the growing influx of devotees at Tirumala, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board resolved to form an expert committee to assess the feasibility of constructing Vaikuntham Queue Complex-3 to streamline crowd management. Plans are also underway to establish well-equipped rest centres (lounges) across Tirumala for enhanced devotee comfort. This innovative lounge initiative will cater to a diverse range of pilgrims, including VVIPs and VIPs, as well as those with free tokens and Rs 300 Sheeghra Darshan tickets, with a special focus on meeting the immediate needs of Srivani Donor Darshan ticket holders. The TTD has also noted a growing demand for such facilities among VVIPs, prompting the board to develop detailed plans, and identify suitable locations. Additionally, a master plan and detailed project report (DPR) will be developed to further enhance the Shila Thoranam and Chakratheertham areas in Tirumala. TTD allocates Rs 4.35 cr for Annaprasadam at Vontimitta temple The Board has allocated Rs 4.35 crore to ensure a continuous supply of Annaprasadam (free meals) for devotees at the Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple in Vontimitta, a significant step to enhance devotee welfare. Disclosing it during a media briefing alongside Executive Officer J Shyamala Rao after a key meeting at Annamayya Bhavan in Tirumala on Tuesday, TTD chairman BR Naidu explained that infrastructure upgrades, including improved lighting, security, and a spiritually enriching ambiance, will be implemented along the Alipiri and Srivari Mettu pedestrian pathways.
New Indian Express
21-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
In a first, helipad proposed at Navi Mumbai's Lord Venkateswara temple awaits TTD nod
TIRUMALA: The Lord Venkateswara temple under construction in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai, is nearing completion but faces a new challenge regarding a proposed temporary helipad on its 10-acre site. The donor, Raymond Consumer Care Limited, has requested the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to consider developing a helipad on Plot No 3, Sector 12, allotted by the Maharashtra government through the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO). However, site engineers have informed Raymond that there is no provision or approval for a helipad in the commencement certificate issued by CIDCO. Raymond has urged TTD to bring the matter to the attention of its management for a decision. TTD's Chief Engineer noted in official files that a helipad could serve as an emergency service provision and a secure entry-exit point for VVIPs, significantly reducing travel time. However, TTD Executive Officer J Shyamala Rao clarified that the proposed helipad would not be part of the core temple construction but within the temple premises. 'No permission has been granted yet for setting up of helipad at Lord Venkateswara temple in Navi Mumbai, as we are evaluating all parameters, including Agama Shastras,' Shyamala Rao told TNIE.
Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Tirupati temple board clears plan for transfer, VRS to non-Hindu employees
HYDERABAD: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Tuesday decided to transfer non-Hindus who work at various institutions run by the board to other Andhra Pradesh government departments or ask them to opt for its voluntary retirement scheme, a senior board official said. TTD executive officer J Shyamala Rao told reporters that the trust board, which met at Annamayya Bhavan in Tirumala, had decided that its institutions should not have any non-HIndus on its rolls. TTD is the official custodian of Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati. 'The trust board approved the decision to take steps towards the transfer of non-Hindu employees working in the TTD to other government departments through alternative ways or by offering them Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS),' Rao said, while briefing reporters about the board's resolutions. According to the TTD records of 2021, the board had about 40 non-Hindu employees at its institutions. Tuesday's decision by the board comes months after TTD initiated disciplinary action in February this year against 18 non-Hindu employees for continuing to take part in non-Hindu religious activities. The order barred the 18 employees – all Christians who worked as lecturers, hostel workers, office subordinates, engineers, helpers, nurses and other paramedical staff in various institutions run by TTD – from attending all religious and spiritual events organised by the board. None of them worked in the main Tirumala temple that attracts nearly 70,000 devotees every day and is considered one of the main nodes of Hindu pilgrimage spots. At the time of joining TTD institutions, employees take an oath that they will follow the Hindu dharma and Hindu traditions only, and that they will not follow non-Hindu religious activities in compliance with Rule 9 (vi) of the Service Rules issued in No. 1060 Revenue (Endowments-1), dated October 24, 1989.
New Indian Express
13-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
TTD to establish urban design and planning cell to modernise Tirumala
TIRUMALA: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has initiated a landmark urban development plan for Tirumala with the State government approval to set up a dedicated Urban Design and Planning (UDP) Cell. The decision, approved in a recent Cabinet meeting, is the first such initiative in four decades, led by TTD executive officer (EO) J Shyamala Rao. The UDP Cell comprises eight specialized posts, including a Director (Planning), Planning Officer, Associate Planner, Assistant Planner, Superintendent, GIS Specialist, Architectural Draughtsman, and Surveyor. While the Director and Planning Officer will be appointed on deputation from the State's Town & Country Planning Department, other roles allow for direct recruitment or deputation. The state government has also approved revised pay scales for the GIS Specialist and Surveyor, ensuring a strong operational framework. The initiative comes as Tirumala grapples with issues like overcrowding, accommodation shortages, and infrastructure challenges while striving to preserve its spiritual and cultural heritage. The TTD Trust Board, in its meeting on December 24, 2024, resolved to create the UDP Cell to address these concerns and align Tirumala's development with the State's long-term vision. According to official sources, the UDP Cell's focus areas include urban planning, architecture, and infrastructure optimization. Priority projects involve the construction of a modern Central Reception Office, redesigning shopping complexes, food courts, and eateries (both TTD-run and private), and planning new roads, footpaths, and essential buildings. Additionally, the UDP Cell will assess existing structures, recommend demolitions or reconstructions, and ensure that all new developments align with temple traditions and Hindu cultural aesthetics. Rao emphasised that the initiative aims for planned growth, balancing spiritual significance with modern infrastructure needs. 'Our objective is to create a next-generation ambiance while retaining Tirumala's spiritual essence,' he said. With TTD's workforce comprising 5,000 permanent and 12,000 contract employees, the UDP Cell is a significant step forward in addressing urban challenges while enhancing the pilgrim experience. The initiative is seen as the most comprehensive urban planning effort since the tenure of former administrators PVRK Prasad and IVR Krishna Rao.
