The use of AI for darshan is intended to deliver a seamless, hassle-free pilgrimage experience by optimising crowd flow.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Board, led by Chairman B R Naidu, is planning to launch an ambitious digital drive to eliminate long queues and reduce the average pilgrim darshan waiting time to just two hours using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“There was some reluctance earlier to embrace AI technology. But we are keen to leverage technology to eliminate past discomforts and enhance transparency,” Naidu told NDTV in an exclusive interview.
The use of AI for darshan is intended to deliver a seamless, hassle-free pilgrimage experience by optimising crowd flow and drastically cutting down wait times, he explained.
Already, the recent reduction in ‘VIP Break Darshan’ timings has saved common devotees an average of two to 2.5 hours of waiting time, the TTD Chairman said.
Plans are also underway to upgrade the Alipiri toll gate queue, the entry point at the foothill, with advanced technology and scanners to increase entry speed.
To manage pilgrim flow, the TTD is considering building a new complex down the hill capable of accommodating approximately 25,000 devotees with food court facilities.
To curb online fraud and fake bookings, a dedicated Cyber Security Lab proposal is also being considered. The Chairman advised devotees to use only the official TTD website for services.
“There was one person who had created over 320 fake sites promising darshan,” Naidu said.
The Chairman also detailed several hardline policy decisions taken to protect the temple’s sacred environment and assets, including initiating actions to remove non-Hindu employees in line with legal provisions, a move he described as safeguarding the temple’s religious purity.
Naidu said TTD had successfully reclaimed 25 acres of sacred land around the seven hills, including plots previously allocated for the Alipiri Zoo Park and the proposed Mumtaz Hotel (an Oberoi Group property) by the previous administration.
Amendments to religious laws are also being sought to restrict commercial activities and promote only spiritual programs.
The TTD also intends to remove up to 1,500 illegal shops granted by the previous administration to restore the beauty and sanctity of the town.