TTD to add 37 electric buses to curb pollution in Tirumala
Tirumala, Aug 15 (TNT): Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) will introduce 37 additional electric buses with donor support to curb vehicular pollution and provide eco-friendly public transport to pilgrims, TTD Additional Executive Officer Ch Venkaiah Chowdary said on Saturday.
Addressing employees after hoisting the National Flag at his camp office here on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Chowdary said Tirumala receives around 10,000 to 14,000 vehicles a day and the proposed electric buses would help reduce pollution.
About 25 additional electric buses are expected to be available for the upcoming Brahmotsavams, he said, adding that plans were being made to provide free bus services at intervals of approximately two minutes.
The Additional EO said TTD was focusing on technology, transparency and systematic management to improve pilgrim services, protect the environment and strengthen administration.
He said the second phase of the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), developed with NRI support, was providing real-time information on pilgrim locations, waiting times, arrivals and darshan throughput. The system also enabled forecasting based on three years of historical data and current trends.
A technology-based wildlife monitoring system had been developed to track animal movement, duration and proximity to pilgrims, with plans to expand it to improve the safety of devotees and forest personnel, Chowdary said.
He said reforms in luggage counters had enabled the efficient deposit and delivery of around 2.6 crore bags during the past five months, while further improvements were being undertaken.
With support from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), a state-level food laboratory had also been established and made operational within nine to 10 months. The facility was testing rice, pulses, cooked food, laddus, water and other items, he said.
A plan had been prepared for a modern Tirupati warehouse with cold storage and advanced logistics facilities for Annaprasadam, with operations targeted within one to one-and-a-half years, the Additional EO said.
He said streets in Tirumala would be named after devotees, Alwars, historical figures and spiritual leaders to preserve and promote their legacy.
On Kalyanakatta modernisation, Chowdary said the work plan focused on providing modern facilities and improving employee health. Health screenings had already commenced, while annual examinations and continuous health monitoring were planned.
He said around 1.30 crore laddus were sold in a single month, describing it as a record reflecting the coordinated efforts of various departments and the faith of devotees in the quality of Laddu Prasadam.
A digital procurement platform was being implemented to improve transparency and accountability, while the Nandakam app would monitor employee services, including health, FMS, complaints and efficiency, besides tracking resolution times, he said.
A site had been identified for a single administrative block to improve coordination, while policies including Cottage and Donation policies were being introduced to ensure clarity and a legal framework across various functions.
Chowdary credited the achievements to the collective efforts of TTD departments and urged employees to accept constructive feedback, learn from failures and continue serving devotees with dedication and human values.
He expressed hope that more innovative reforms would be introduced by the next Independence Day.
TTD officials, employees and Vigilance personnel attended the programme.
TNT LE
