Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is set to become the world’s first Hindu temple trust to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its pilgrim services. The trust has signed an agreement with global tech giant Google to enhance the experience of devotees.
Following a trust board meeting at Tirumala on Monday, TTD Chairman BR Naidu, Executive Officer J Syamala Rao, and Additional EO Ch Venkaiah Chowdary shared details with reporters. They confirmed that AI systems would be integrated to improve various pilgrim services. The goal is to ensure a hassle-free experience for the thousands of devotees visiting Tirumala every day.
While specific details of the partnership are still being worked out, one major focus is on reducing waiting times for devotees availing free darshan of Lord Venkateswara.
Also read: TTD board approves ₹5,259 cr budget for fiscal year 2025-26
The TTD board has decided to reclaim 35 acres of land originally allocated to Mumtaz Hotels and Devalok projects near Alipiri. Additionally, the trust will take over 15 acres of land from Andhra Pradesh Tourism. This land is located next to the Mumtaz group’s allocated site.
In return, TTD will provide 50 acres of land elsewhere to the tourism department. Naidu said this move aligns with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s directive to protect the sanctity of the Tirumala hills. The trust will also prohibit any construction between the Zoo Park Road and Kapilateertham stretch.
The board has also resolved to reclaim 20 acres of land allocated for the Science City project in Tirupati. The project never took off, prompting the decision to take back the land.
TTD has resolved to create a new trust to oversee temple construction. It will merge the Srivani Trust into this new entity, along with its ₹1,400 crore funds. The new trust will focus on building temples within India and abroad. It will also provide financial assistance to restore dilapidated temples and construct smaller Hindu shrines.
Naidu stated that he has written letters to several Chief Ministers, requesting land allocation for new temples dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. While some CMs have responded positively, others have yet to reply. Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu has assured support in reaching out to those who have not responded.
The TTD board has decided to restore the VIP break darshan slot to early morning hours on a trial basis. Many devotees had requested this, urging TTD to reinstate the slot at 5 am. The decision has been made in response to these appeals.
TTD will also initiate renovation and refurbishment of both VIP and general accommodation blocks at Tirumala. This will ensure that pilgrims have access to improved lodging facilities at reasonable and subsidised rates.
The meeting was attended by TTD board members Dr Suchitra Ella, G. Bhanuprakash Reddy, Vemireddy Prashanti Reddy, and Panabaka Lakshmi.
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