TTD approves Rs. 5,456.26 crore budget for 2026-27

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board has approved a massive budget of Rs. 5,456.26 crore for the financial year 2026–27, marking one of the largest financial outlays in the institution’s history. The decision was taken at the TTD Board meeting held on Saturday under the chairmanship of B.R. Naidu, with a strong emphasis on enhancing devotee amenities, strengthening temple infrastructure, improving security systems, and expanding educational initiatives.

In a significant policy shift, the Board allocated ₹118.89 crore for the development of educational institutions, the first time such a substantial allocation has been made for education in TTD’s history. Acting on the directions of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the funds will be used to establish digital classrooms, construct new hostel blocks, and modernize kitchens across TTD-run educational facilities.

To cater to the growing influx of pilgrims in Tirumala, the Board approved plans to expand the free meal (Anna Prasadam) distribution programme. Reliance Industries has come forward with donations estimated between Rs. 100 crore and Rs. 120 crore for constructing a state-of-the-art Anna Prasadam complex and modern kitchen facilities aimed at improving large-scale food preparation and distribution.

The Board also cleared the launch of the pilot-phase “Srivari Mudupu Patram” scheme, designed to simplify offerings made by devotees. Under the initiative, pilgrims can make payments through UPI, receive a digital offering receipt, and directly submit it into the temple hundi, reducing dependence on cash transactions.

As part of its spiritual outreach initiatives, TTD announced plans to construct Lord Venkateswara temples in Coimbatore, Guwahati, Belagavi, and Mokama near Patna, on land allotted by respective state governments. Additionally, Rs. 14.25 crore has been sanctioned for the construction of the Sri Venkateswara Divya Kshetram in Parvathipuram Manyam district.

In YSR Kadapa district’s Ontimitta, the Board approved ₹20.17 crore for developing a dry island to facilitate the installation of a 108-foot statue of Jambavantha. During the Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam scheduled on April 1, around 70,000 devotees attending the event will be provided an additional Tirumala laddu, valued at Rs. 50 each, free of cost.

TTD also announced a series of security upgrades. Advanced scanning systems worth ₹8 crore will be installed at the Alipiri check-post to strengthen screening mechanisms. 

An Integrated Command and Control Centre will be established in Tirupati at a cost of Rs. 10.75 crore to monitor TTD properties across the country. Further, 727 security personnel will be recruited through Army Welfare Services to enhance safety arrangements in Tirumala and Tirupati.