Hyderabad: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams intensified TTD summer rush preparations by deploying its Integrated AI Command & Control Centre to monitor devotee flow in real time during the upcoming vacation season.
TTD Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary reviewed arrangements at a meeting held at the Sudharma conference hall in Tirumala on Friday. He said officials analysed data from the past three summer seasons, including darshan numbers, waiting hours and carry-forward queues, to plan operations this year.
He stated that special focus was placed on reducing waiting time for general devotees. Therefore, the AI-based command centre will track hourly inflow, outflow and queue status. This system will enable swift, data-driven decisions to manage crowd movement.
AI monitoring anchors TTD summer rush preparations
As part of TTD summer rush preparations, authorities strengthened Annaprasadam distribution and drinking water supply. They also installed temporary shelters along footpath routes for pedestrian devotees. In addition, teams undertook cool painting along Mada Streets and other high-footfall areas. Officials planned to erect additional sheds wherever required.
The Additional EO said the number of buttermilk distribution points would increase to help devotees cope with the heat. Since many families visit during school holidays, accommodation management, Annaprasadam services and medical facilities will be streamlined further.
He added that darshan across various categories would be managed through data-driven compartmentalisation and queue optimisation. This approach aims to facilitate faster movement and reduce congestion.
Recalling last summer, he said TTD facilitated darshan for an average of 80,000 to 82,000 devotees per day in June. He attributed the performance to effective time management and coordinated efforts across departments.
He asserted that all TTD wings would work in close coordination to provide a smoother and more comfortable darshan experience this summer. TTD Chief Engineer Satyanarayana, Transport General Manager Sesha Reddy, Deputy Executive Officers Lokanatham, Bhaskar, Somannarayana, Venkataiah, Venkateshwarulu and VGO Surendra attended the meeting.