Work on the three-storey pilgrims’ amenities complex being constructed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) in Bhadrachalam, the abode of Lord Sitaramachandra Swamy, is set to gain pace with the executing agencies drawing up plans to complete its construction by this year end.
The complex is coming up near Tanisha Kalyana Mandapam in the heart of the temple town at an estimated cost of ₹4.75 crore. The complex will have four dormitory halls and a bhajan mandir in the ground floor and a 28-room choultry with all modern amenities, sources said.
Ease accommodation
The complex is expected to ease shortage of accommodation in the historic temple town popularly called as - south Ayodhya.
It is a common sight to see hundreds of pilgrims from far off places taking shelter on the sand dunes along the banks of the Godavari and temporary tents that sprang up in the open space abutting the flood bank during the two major festivals - Sri Rama Navami and Mukkoti (Vaikunta) Ekadasi every year in the temple town.
The lack of adequate accommodation facilities in the famous pilgrim centre has necessitated the demand for construction of more choultries to meet the accommodation needs of pilgrims from far and near.
Thanks to the initiative of Sattupalli MLA Sandra Venkata Veeraiah, who is a member of the TTD trust board, the TTD, which looks after the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh, resolved to construct a pilgrims' amenities complex in Bhadrachalam last year.
The roof slab of the ground floor of the complex has already been laid and work in the first floor has reached the lintel level, said TTD’s Assistant Engineer Venkatesh, who is closely monitoring the work in Bhadrachalam.
The upcoming complex will have four spacious dormitory halls and a bhajan mandir in the ground storey in addition to a 28-room choultry, he said, adding that efforts are on to ensure completion of the work by December-end.