Andhra Pradesh Approves Rs 750 Crore for Temple Infrastructure
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to complete the construction of 5,000 new temples across the state within two years. The initiative also includes the restoration of 1,000 ancient temples, according to a directive issued by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
The project is funded by the Sri Venkateswara Aalayala Nirmanam Trust of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, per the state government announcements. A budget allocation of ₹750 crore has been made for the construction of the 5,000 temples and bhajan mandirs, according to Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy.
The initiative aims to strengthen Sanathana Dharma and provide basic temple infrastructure in villages and colonies, particularly in regions with limited access to Hindu places of worship, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes habitations, per government policy documents. The Endowments Department is designated as the implementing agency, in partnership with the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, according to administrative filings.
Financial Allocations and Land Size Tiers
Financial assistance for new temples varies based on land size, according to Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy. The allocations are structured as ₹10 lakh for land sizes between 5 and 7.99 cents, ₹15 lakh for 8 to 9.99 cents, and ₹20 lakh for 10 cents or more. Model temples are proposed with an allocation of ₹30 lakh each, per the same ministerial statement.
As of January 2026, administrative and financial approvals had been granted for 463 temples, with an additional 99 proposals under process, according to Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy. By June 2026, approvals were issued for 1,270 Bhajan Mandirs with an allocation of ₹267 crore, per the Endowments Department.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also called for master plans for 22 major temples, with plans for Simhachalam, Annavaram, Dwaraka Tirumala, Penuganchiprolu, Srikalahasti, and Kanipakam already prepared, according to the Chief Minister's office. Each constituency is expected to see 25 to 30 temples built, per government projections. Additionally, the government allocated ₹813 crore through the Sarva Sreyonidhi Corporation for the development of 692 neglected ancient temples, according to Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy.
Ministerial Statements and Historical Precedent
Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy stated, "This is the biggest ever allocation made for the construction of temples and bhajan mandirs in the state's history. The project is aimed at spearheading the propagation of Sanathana Dharma in a bigger way."
Endowment minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy stated that such a large-scale temple construction drive had never been undertaken in a single phase in the state, according to official statements. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has previously built Balaji temples outside Andhra Pradesh, such as in Jammu, which opened in 2023, per historical temple records.
Public Response and Economic Impact
Critics are questioning spending priorities and fund use, with some viewing it as a step towards preserving traditions and others questioning priorities and resource allocation, according to public commentary reports. The specific start date for the two-year completion target, detailed list of the 1,000 ancient temples for restoration, exact locations for all 5,000 new temples, and detailed breakdown of the ₹750 crore budget have not been publicly disclosed in official releases.
Hindu devotees in Andhra Pradesh will gain increased access to places of worship and spiritual infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas, potentially strengthening religious practices, according to community stakeholder assessments. The state's construction industry will see a boost in activity due to the large-scale construction project, creating employment opportunities, per trade estimates.
