Date:24/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/24/stories/2008042453510400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Tirupati

Srivari Mettu footpath to get concrete cover

Special Correspondent

Footpath spanning 2.1 km is short cut to Tirumala
The project is estimated to cost around Rs. 6 crore

TIRUPATI: The centuries-old Srivari Mettu footpath, known as the second flight of steps to the abode of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala, will soon get a concrete cover for the benefit of devotees using the path to trek up the hill.

The footpath spanning 2.1 km, though, is a short cut to Tirumala, devotees by and large use only the conventional Alipiri footpath and it is with a view to popularise this footpath by improving facilities along it, that the TTD has taken up a number of works.

As in the case of the Alipiri footpath, the TTD will construct a ‘Padala Mandapam’ at the base of this footpath to let pilgrims start their trek with a pooja at the Mandapam. The foundation stones for the two facilities—shelter and the Padalamandapam--estimated to be constructed at a cost of about Rs.6 crore and Rs.27 lakh, respectively, were on Wednesday laid by the TTD Trust Board Chairman, B. Karunakar Reddy.

Mr. Reddy also laid the foundation for the ‘Krishnadevaraya Sadan’ at the spot which would come up at an expenditure of Rs.4.3 crore to serve as a rest house for those using the footpath.