Tirupati gets world's first AI powered temple command centre

Exactly a year ago, on January 8, 2025, a stampede at the Tirumala Tirupati Devast-hanam (TTD) claimed six lives and left 20 people injured.

- NARESH AKKENA

Following a detailed investigation and as part of measures to prevent a recurrence, the TTD, with funding from donors, has established an AI-powered command and control centre—the first of its kind in the world.

The movement of thousands of devotees who visit daily for darshan of Lord Ven-kateswara, along with the entire temple premises, is now under continuous surveillance through this centre. It operates through 3,200 AI-integrated cameras that closely monitor all activity.

Speaking about the initiative, TTD Additional Executive Officer Venkaiah Chowdary said the centre was set up with the support of NRI donors. He noted that the AI technology deployed is the first of its kind to be implemented in a temple anywhere in the world. The system provides a real-time view of operations, enabling officials to track the number of devotees visiting each day.