TTD Relocates LPG Storage Facility Due to Safety Concerns in Tirumala
Tirupati: The long-standing safety concern over storage of large quantities of LPG cylinders near public places in Tirumala is being addressed with the completion of a new gas plant at Thiru Venkata Padham on the outer ring road.
Over the years, LPG used for daily cooking in the Potu (temple kitchen) and TTD’s Annaprasadam complex was stored at Allamathota within the temple precinct. Approximately 30 metric tonnes of LPG stored in three rounds were handled at this location.
Officials felt that the storage facility’s proximity to the temple and nearby fuel stations created safety concerns. Fire incidents reported in Potu in 2013 and 2019 also increased these concerns.
Recently, the state government ordered special inspection of hazardous facilities following incidents of gas leaks elsewhere.
During the inspections in Tirumala, deputy chief inspector of factories, Chittoor Sivakumar Reddy, said that storing LPG in a crowded and sensitive area involved risks. He asked TTD to ensure compliance with safety rules, including the preparation of on-site and off-site emergency plans and trial drills. The main suggestion was to move the LPG tank away from the core area of the temple.
Following these observations, TTD identified a new area at Thiru Venkata Padham. The 1.83 acre land in Survey No. 592/P is located away from the congested temple area and provides adequate buffer space for safer transportation of LPG, including the use of built-in type storage shells.
Technical discussions and joint inspections were held with IOCL, which supplies LPG to Tirumala. The company has agreed to execute the project at an estimated cost of Rs 8.13 billion through donation to TTD, adhering to all prescribed safety and legal norms.
Necessary permissions were obtained from the district governor’s office for the project and a land allocation instruction was given in November 2025.
As construction continues at the new site, TTD said this change will help address safety concerns around the temple area. Once the plant becomes operational, LPG storage will be moved outside the core area while maintaining uninterrupted fuel supply for daily prasadam and annadanam activities in Tirumala.
