Hyderabad: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams rolled out extensive Tirumala summer arrangements to manage the rising influx of pilgrims during the holiday season.
Officials said the rush had already increased over the past few days. Therefore, multiple departments coordinated to ensure facilities for devotees and prevent inconvenience. The Engineering wing executed works worth about ₹2 crore to strengthen infrastructure across key locations.
To reduce heat exposure, authorities installed shaded shelters from Batagangamma Circle to Gogarbham Dam Circle up to the Outer Ring Road. In addition, shelters were arranged at Vaikuntham Queue Complex–2, the museum premises, and Narayanagiri Gardens. Cooling paint was applied along queue lines, while temporary shelters were set up in waiting areas.
Officials focused on high-footfall zones such as temple surroundings, laddu counters, and movement corridors. They also applied synthetic enamel cool paint on the four Mada Streets to lower surface temperatures. Temporary toilets were installed along queue routes to improve basic amenities.
Tirumala summer arrangements enhance pilgrim services
Under health services, teams supplied drinking water through mobile drums with the help of Srivari Sevaks. Each batch included 15 volunteers, and three batches worked daily to serve pilgrims. Sanitation teams carried out continuous cleaning and garbage clearance to maintain hygiene.
Authorities set up 16 medical centres to provide immediate treatment. In addition, a mobile first-aid unit operated along Outer Ring Road queue lines, while other centres functioned at Narayanagiri Gardens, VQC dispensaries, and footpath routes.
To meet demand, officials increased laddu supply. They maintained a buffer stock of 3.5 lakh laddus in addition to the daily supply of 3.5 lakh.
Accommodation remained limited due to space constraints, with facilities available for about 60,000 pilgrims. Around 7,500 rooms and five pilgrim amenities complexes were operational. Authorities said single-person allotments were restricted to prioritise families. Pilgrims without rooms could use about 9,000 lockers across multiple complexes.
TTD also expanded tonsure services. Along with the main Kalyanakatta, 11 mini centres functioned at various locations, including PAC complexes and rest houses. Officials said the arrangements aimed to provide a comfortable pilgrimage despite the intense summer conditions.