Indus Valley Times

The contribution comes ahead of the two Srivari Brahmotsavams, major temple festivals expected to draw a large number of pilgrims to Tirumala

By Payal Banerjee

Tirumala, Sept. 16: Reliance Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Reliance Industries Limited, has handed over a fleet of 25 electric buses and a dedicated electric vehicle charging station to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), strengthening the trust’s efforts to provide cleaner and more sustainable means of transport to pilgrims visiting Tirumala. The buses were formally flagged off by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu at an event in Tirumala.

The contribution is particularly timely as it comes ahead of the two Srivari Brahmotsavams, major temple festivals expected to draw a large number of pilgrims to the hill shrine. It also fulfils a commitment made by Shri Anant Ambani, Executive Director, Reliance Industries Limited, during his visit to Tirumala in June 2026. At the time, he committed to providing TTD with 25 electric buses in support of its work to promote environmentally sustainable transportation. Reliance Foundation and TTD have been working together to develop the charging facilities and other infrastructure required to operate the electric bus fleet.

The addition of these 25 electric buses will strengthen TTD’s ongoing green mobility drive. It will help reduce dependence on conventional fuel-powered vehicles and provide environmentally responsible transportation options for the millions of devotees who visit Tirumala each year.

The electric mobility initiative is the result of a joint effort by Reliance Foundation and Jio-bp. While Reliance Foundation provided philanthropic support, Jio-bp contributed its expertise in electric mobility and EV charging infrastructure.

Speaking about the initiative, Shri Anant Ambani, Executive Director, Reliance Industries Limited, said, “Millions of devotees visit the sacred hills of Tirumala each year for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara. Supporting their journey is both a privilege and a responsibility. These 25 electric buses are our humble contribution to TTD’s efforts to make the pilgrimage to Tirumala more comfortable while helping safeguard the region’s rich biodiversity.”

The initiative is part of Reliance’s broader commitment to sustainable development and the advancement of cleaner mobility solutions across India.