Tirumala ghat roads
Tirumala ghat roads are two asphalt steep natural slopes ghat roads between Tirupati and Tirumala. They are in Seshachalam Hills range in Pūrva Ghaṭ.
Route Descriptions
Both ghat roads are double lane type, follow different paths along the hills. The old ghat road was laid in 1944, other was opened in 1974. Old ghat road route is used for vehicles from Tirumala to Tirupati and new ghat road is from Tirupati to Tirumala. The starting point of the road to go up Tirumala hills is Alipiri and it is overlooked by an immense statue of Garuda in an anjili pose. Each road is approximately 19 km in length and has more than 36 hair pin bends. It takes 40 minutes to reach top Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.Design
The planning and execution of the old ghat road, which winds for 12 miles over hills and dales through dense jungles and in one portion across a deep valley, 200 feet wide have been accomplished with much engineering skill and ability by Diwan Bagadur A. Nageswara Ayyar, special engineer in charge.Ref: The Hindu. Dated: April 11, 1944.
Ref: The Hindu. Dated: May 16, 2006
Project Supervisors and Historical Recognition
Under the visionary guidance of the legendary engineer Sir M. Visvesvaraya, the construction of the First Ghat Road was executed by skilled contractors, with significant contributions from dedicated field personnel and supervisors.A key figure in the field during the critical 1943–1944 construction phase was Sri Mandalemula Sree Ramamurty, who served as a TTD Supervisor. Sri Ramamurty was entrusted with overseeing crucial aspects of the construction and was instrumental in ensuring the successful completion of this challenging infrastructure project. This temple serves as a blessing for pilgrims embarking on a safe journey remains a historical testament to the contributions of the early construction team.