Chandrababu Naidu Announces Tirumala-Tirupati Overhaul: Pilgrim Insurance, 5,000 Temples, Green Push
Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu unveils a sweeping Tirumala-Tirupati plan: pilgrim insurance, 5,000 new temples, electric buses, and a green push for the spiritual hub.
Dumtika Editorial
September 16, 2026 · 2 min read
(Image: Dumtika Editorial)
Key Highlights
- Pilgrim insurance scheme offers ₹2 lakh cover for devotees at Tirumala.
- 5,000 temples to be constructed and old temples renovated under Srivani programme.
- 32 new electric buses added for eco-friendly pilgrim transport.
- SV Museum modernised at ₹104 crore, Durlabh Darshan centre inaugurated.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has unveiled a comprehensive development plan for Tirumala and Tirupati, aiming to enhance the spiritual, environmental, and infrastructural landscape of the sacred region. Speaking after a review meeting with Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) officials, Naidu outlined initiatives spanning pilgrim welfare, temple expansion, transportation, healthcare, and sustainability.
A key highlight is the introduction of an Aadhaar-based, online insurance scheme for pilgrims in partnership with LIC. If a devotee passes away while at Tirumala, the scheme will provide ₹2 lakh in financial assistance to their family. Naidu emphasized the government’s commitment to making Tirumala a model spiritual destination while preserving its 89.5% green cover.
The SV Museum, now modernised at a cost of ₹104 crore by the TCS Trust, has reopened to offer pilgrims an immersive experience of Lord Venkateswara’s history and mythology. The trust will also maintain the museum for the next five years. Additionally, the new Durlabh Darshan centre at Vaikuntam Queue Complex-I aims to enrich the spiritual journey for ordinary devotees.
Pilgrim transport has received a boost with 32 new electric buses—25 donated by Reliance Foundation and seven by Bharat Biotech—bringing the total fleet to 44. In a major temple development drive, Naidu announced plans to construct 5,000 temples across Andhra Pradesh under the Srivani programme, with old temples also set for renovation. The government is considering requests for Lord Venkateswara temples in countries like Mauritius and New Zealand to serve global Hindu communities.
The Annaprasadam Trust now holds a corpus of ₹3,165 crore, and steps are being taken to further improve food quality for devotees. Healthcare institutions in Tirupati, including SVIMS, BIRRD, Ruia Hospital, and the children’s hospital, will be integrated for better medical services, with doctors encouraged to volunteer as Srivari Sevaks. Nearly 12 lakh Srivari Sevaks have registered statewide, reflecting strong community participation.
These initiatives come as Andhra Pradesh prepares for the 2027 Godavari Pushkarams, where attendance is expected to reach 8 to 10 crore devotees.
