TTD initiative: AI to reduce devotees' darshan wait time

In a groundbreaking initiative, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board is set to introduce a facial recognition-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) Darshan System to reduce wait time for devotees.

- BSN MALLESWARA RAO

In an exclusive interview with TNIE, TTD Chairman BR Naidu revealed that the AI-powered system, inspired by DigiYatra used at airports, will be implemented within six months and that once it is established, common devotees can complete darshan of Lord Venkateswara Swamy within an hour.

He added that a Bengaluru-based company has already begun preparations to launch the pilot project in Tirupati and Tirumala.

Asked how the new system will be different from the time-slot based darshan initiative introduced by the Chandrababu Naidu government in 2000, the TTD chief explained that the old system, introduced to manage crowds, was marred by token manipulation and black market sales.