Improving Traffic & Transportation System

a) Development of parking facilities

The core area of Tirupati is the central district of the town, characterized by densely built up areas and congested narrow streets, heavy flow of traffic and busy retail trade along the streets.

The core area has several activities that generate large volumes of traffic. These include bus stand, railway station, fruit and flower market, police station, post office, banks, seven cinema theatres, colleges, schools, lodges, restaurants, shopping streets. The surveys conducted, as a part of preparation of EcoCity Development Plan, proclaimed the need for a parking facility to cater to different types of vehicles in the core area as currently there is inadequate parking space.

Through the GTZ Consultants (School of Planning & Architecture, JNTU, Hyderabad), designs have been developed for the Multi-storied Parking Facility that would be located in the core area. The parking facility would be in five floors including a cellar and a sub-cellar. The facility would accommodate about 229 cars. The facility would have amenities such as toilets, food joint, travel desk and rest room for drivers. The site would have rain water harvesting system and plantation.

The designs have been approved by the DPR Expert Committee of CPCB and the Project Coordination Committee at Tirupati. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year 2007.

Streets in the core area

b) Widening of approach road to railway station

For facilitating improved traffic & transportation system, the approach road is being widened by the Tirupati Municipal Council by removing existing structures. The project is funded by the Tirupati Municipal Council and the Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam (TTD). The negotiations for demolition of existing buildings have been completed by the municipality and the work is expected to be complete during the year 2006.

c) Pedestrianisation of Koneru surroundings

Koneru, the historic religious tanks had reduced use at the start of the EcoCity project due to encroachments, lack of adequate water and pollution. About 100 vehicles, mostly taxis get parked in the area on the road surrounding Koneru. Also, solid waste from the hotels is dumped in the area and improper drainage system is leading to pollution of Koneru. Due to prevailing conditions, Koneru has limited environmental function and limited visitors. The plan mainly includes:

1. Pedestrian pathway around Koneru with stone flooring followed by 3.65 m wide service road
2. Complete removal of existing parking of taxis and other vehicles from the area
3. Plantation and ornamental landscaping
4. Urban design structures, street furniture

Proposed pedestrianisation	Koneru