Pilgrims visiting Tirumala may soon get a comprehensive insurance cover, thanks to an initiative of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. “The feasibility of an insurance cover is currently being examined and modalities are being looked into. A final decision on the matter will be taken by the board after the feasibility studies,’‘ a senior TTD official said.
The proposal to extend insurance cover is part a slew of measures being taken by the TTD Board in the last one year in line with the direction from the Chief Minister on stepping up measures to ensure the welfare of the pilgrims and the sanctity of the place of worship.
Even though the management of darshan and other facilities for the large number of devotees visiting Tirumala everyday has larceny been incident-free, there has been a broader exercise in ensuring the safety of the pilgrims after the death of six pilgrims and a stampede on January this year which also left many injured.
The insurance facility, if finally rolled out, is expected to cover the pilgrims from the beginning of Alipiri pathway and Srivati Mettu till their return after the darshan. The nature of the cover and the product is likely to be finalised after discussions with the insurers.
“It could be a comprehensive product covering sickness as well as life and could be integrated with the darshan ticket as TTD is likely to foot the premium,’‘ said a senior official of a private insurance company.
The number of pilgrims who visit Tirumala is in the range of 70,000 to one lakh which could go up on festive days such as Brahmotsavams and holidays.
As of now TTD gives compensation of up to ₹3 lakh on a case to case basis for those pilgrims who succumb to any accidents in Tirumala. There were also some incidents of attacks by wild animals on the path-way once in a while.