The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has decided to carry out work to improve the balance along the Alipiri hiking trail at a cost of ₹ 11 billion.
The old footpath, which is generally preferred by pilgrims to reach the temple city, is 7.6 km long and has around 3,550 steps. More than 20,000 pilgrims take the footpath every day, and on favorable occasions even up to 40,000.
TTD has entrusted the ongoing work for the roof and the footpath to Reliance Industries.
The cost of the entire project has been estimated at 25 crore and the latter has offered to bear the entire cost.
Project details
Since the Reliance is limited to the work on the concrete ceiling of the roof, the TTD has decided to carry out the works such as dismantling the damaged structures, removing rubble, reinforcing the parapets with granite paving, improving the toilet blocks and building new ones Blocks in certain locations, apart from electrical, radio and broadcasting work, laying CCTV / OFC cables for a better aesthetic appearance and fastening the steel railings along the walkway
All of this work would incur an additional cost of ₹ 11 billion.
The TTD has decided to cover the expenses from its budget for the financial year 2021-22.
While the demolition of the damaged buildings is complete, work is underway to build a new shelter. It should be ready by the end of September.
Elakkayala Mandapam
In the meantime, the TTD has also decided to rebuild the Elakkayala mandapam along the trekking route and renovate the existing stone mandapams from the Garudadri Nagar Cottages (GNC) to the Central Reception Office (CRO) in Tirumala after the strength and age of the Structures claimed were considered.