Telangana endowments minister Konda Surekha says temple income rose from ₹373.55 crore in 2023 to ₹544.61 crore in 2024. Development works underway at major temples across the state.

Temple revenue in Telangana has witnessed a sharp rise over the past year, Endowments Minister Konda Surekha said on Monday. According to official figures, 699 temples across the state recorded an income of ₹373.55 crore in 2023, which surged to ₹544.61 crore in 2024 after the Congress government took charge and accelerated development measures.

Calling it a “statewide push rather than selective focus,” the minister said that unlike the previous administration, which concentrated on just one major temple, the current government has rolled out master plans for multiple prominent shrines. These include developments at Vemulawada, Bhadrachalam, Kondagattu, Dharmapuri, Basara, Keesara, Bhadrakali, Inavolu and Komuravelli.

Surekha added that infrastructure expansion and renovation works are moving ahead at a rapid pace, with an emphasis on ensuring minimal disruption to devotees.

Analysis: The revenue surge reflects growing footfall and improved temple management, signalling revival in religious tourism. Analysts say the government's strategy to expand development to multiple shrines could help distribute economic benefits across districts. However, timely completion and preservation of temple heritage remain critical as large-scale works proceed.