Road closure near TTD pilgrim complexes sparks political row in Tirupati

A fresh controversy has emerged in Tirupati over the closure of an access road adjoining two newly constructed pilgrim accommodation complexes of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), located on the southern side of the railway station. The matter has gained political traction with local body elections approaching, as parties target the TTD and, indirectly, the State government over the decision to restrict access for residents of neighbouring colonies.

The complexes, named Achyutham and Sripatham, were built on the site of the old Sri Govindaraja Choultries, just south of the railway station. The project was intended to provide lodging for pilgrims arriving by train and to reduce congestion in the city.

According to earlier plans, a road running south of the complexes was to connect D.R. Mahal road and Rayala Cheruvu road, easing traffic and providing an additional route to manage movement around the railway station, which is undergoing major redevelopment.

The dispute arose after TTD engineers reconstructed a boundary wall along the project site, abutting the densely populated Gandhipuram and Dasarimatam colonies, which are largely home to weaker sections. Opposition leaders have demanded that the road be opened for residents of these localities.

Bhumana Abhinay Reddy, YSRCP's Tirupati constituency in-charge, said that as a former Deputy Mayor of Tirupati Municipal Corporation, he had raised the matter with TTD authorities and secured their approval for the road before construction began. He expressed surprise that the government was now blocking access, at a time when additional roads are needed to decongest the growing city.

A senior TTD official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the wall had been reconstructed at the same spot after being temporarily removed to allow entry of construction trucks. The official asserted there was no proposal or file on record to open the compound to the public, citing security concerns.

With elections nearing, observers note that the issue could prove politically sensitive for the ruling alliance if not addressed promptly.