TTD Executive Officer J. Syamala Rao inspecting the Srivari Mettu footpath on Tuesday.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Executive Officer (EO) J. Syamala Rao announced plans to improve the facilities along the Srivari Mettu footpath, considered the shortest pedestrian route to Tirumala. The main intention behind the move is to enhance the pilgrimage experience of the devotees opting the route. 

During an inspection on Tuesday, accompanied by TTD Additional EO Ch. Venkayya Chowdary and Joint EO V. Veerabrahmam, he reviewed the existing facilities and the difficulties faced by devotees, particularly in accessing the darshan tokens. 

He also noted that there were growing complaints against auto-rickshaw operators that they were misusing TTD facilities for their personal gains and fleecing the pilgrims by charging exorbitant fares.

Plans are also under way to increase the bus services between Tirupati and the Srivari Mettu, besides enhancing the token distribution counters. The pilgrim feedback will also be collected to guide further improvements, he added.