Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams launches free electric buses for pilgrims

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Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has launched 10 electric buses in Tirumala for pilgrims. The electric bus service will be available for pilgrims to use free of cost. The vehicles have been launched as part of a plan to make Tirumala more eco-friendly by, among other measures, phasing out the existing diesel-powered buses. On March 27, Tumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) chairman YV Subba Reddy and executive officer AV Dharma Reddy launched these buses, which were donated by Hyderabad-based firm Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd. The e-buses cost around Rs 1.80 crore. 

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TTD LAUNCHES E-BUSES

TTD aims to achieve a net-zero emission target and is keen to convert Tirumala into a green town. With this in mind, 35 e-cars (TATA Nexon) were given for official use by TTD officials in the first phase. As of now, the  Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) is operating 64 e-buses on the Tirumala and Tirupati ghat roads.

pic.twitter.com/BivjOm14k2

— Tirumala Tirupathi updates (@ttd_updates) March 27, 2023

While inaugurating the e-buses, the TTD chairman stated, “By April 15, we will have charging stations at the TTD workshop in Tirumala. M/s Olectra will train the TTD drivers to operate the e-buses. We are also aiming to replace the current taxis with e-vehicles to make Tirumala more eco-friendly and pollution-free.”  

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TTD REVENUES FOR 2023-24

Earlier, the TTD projected total revenues of Rs 4411 crore for 2023-24 of which Rs 1600 crore would come through Hundi collections. The Hundi collections went down drastically during the Covid pandemic as pilgrims did not visit Tirumala. 

TTD Chairman Sri YV Subba Reddy Garu along with the TTD EO AV Dharma Reddy Garu has formally met and invited the Honourable @AndhraPradeshCM Sri @ysjagan Garu for Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam at Vontimitta on April 5 at the CM's residence in Tadepalli today. pic.twitter.com/Ak5j6Kje3c

— Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (@TTDevasthanams) March 27, 2023

According to the TTD, they are expecting to get revenues of Rs 990 crore on interest of bank deposits, Rs 500 crore from prasadam sales, Rs 330 crore from special darshan tickets, Rs 140 crore through Arjitha Sevas and Rs 129 crore through accommodation and hiring of marriage halls. They expect to make around Rs 127 crore through the sale of human hair that is made as an offering at Tirumala.