CM directs officials to improve infrastructure in temple towns to promote spiritual tourism
Officials asked to prepare master plans to develop 22 temples
Amaravati: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to prepare a Temple town development plan to ensure holistic development of areas surrounding major temples and to promote spiritual tourism. He stressed the need to improve accommodation facilities .He advised officials to study the crowd management practices followed by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and adopt suitable measures.
Addressing a review meeting of Endowments department at Secretariat today the Chief Minister directed officials to complete the construction of 5,000 temples across the state within the next two years using Srivani funds. He also instructed the formation of a state-level committee to monitor and oversee the construction process.
The Chief Minister further directed that temple construction be taken up initially as a pilot project using three standardized design models. He emphasized the need for expedited approvals and mandated that every temple should include a compound wall.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to prepare master plans for 22 important temples across the state. Master plans have already been prepared for temples at Simhachalam, Annavaram, Dwaraka Tirumala, Penuganchiprolu, Srikalahasti, and Kanipakam. He directed that master plans for the remaining temples be completed at the earliest.
These plans should comprehensively address devotee amenities, traffic management, parking, accommodation and sanitation. He stressed that along with maintaining sanctity, ensuring cleanliness in temple premises is equally important to enhance the overall devotee experience.
The CM noted a significant increase in footfall at major temples. During 2025–26, over 1.20 crore devotees visited Srisailam and Vijayawada Kanaka Durga temples. Other temples also witnessed high footfall, including 83.88 lakh at Srikalahasti, 65.48 lakh at Simhachalam, 57.87 lakh at Annavaram, and 55.15 lakh at Dwaraka Tirumala. He emphasized that providing all necessary facilities—from drinking water to annadanam—is the responsibility of the Endowments Department.
The Chief Minister directed that annaprasadam services be expanded in other temples on the lines of Tirumala. Currently, annaprasadam is being served in 111 temples, with daily annadanam in 65 temples, benefiting around 80,000 devotees per day. An annual expenditure of Rs 157.85 crore is being incurred for this initiative.
The Chief Minister called for the introduction of WhatsApp-based services in major temples and directed that all services be made available online. He also instructed the creation of dedicated websites for all temples along with comprehensive dashboards containing relevant information.
The Chief Minister emphasised the need to expedite appointments to the Agama Advisory Council, Endowment Tribunal Chairman, and Standing Counsel. Pending temple trust boards should also be constituted without delay, he added.
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