TTD Board Approves VQC-III And AI Integration To Manage Pilgrim Rush
The decision was taken during the board meeting on Tuesday under the chairmanship of BR Naidu. It took note of the steady increase in pilgrim turnout: Reports
TIRUPATI: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams trust board has decided to start construction of a third Vaikuntam Queue Complex (VQC-III) in Tirumala in view of the growing pressure on existing facilities.
The decision was taken during the board meeting on Tuesday under the chairmanship of BR Naidu. It took note of the steady increase in pilgrim turnout.
Addressing the media alongside executive officer J. Syamala Rao, the TTD chairman said a committee of senior officials and technical experts would be constituted to identify a suitable location and prepare a detailed project report for VQC-III. This new facility is expected to relieve congestion at the current VQC-I and VQC-II, which are often overwhelmed during peak seasons and festivals.
The board also discussed the integration of AI-based systems to improve crowd management and reduce darshan waiting time. Two firms have been engaged to address the technical and procedural issues involved in implementing AI solutions. Naidu said that once these are resolved, AI tools will be rolled out to enable real-time monitoring and predictive management of pilgrim flow.
Among other decisions, the board sanctioned ₹4.35 crore to provide uninterrupted free meals to devotees at the Sri Kodandarama Swamy temple in Ontimitta. Proposals to enhance infrastructure and amenities along the Alipiri and Srivari Mettu footpaths were also approved. The board will also prepare a master plan for the development of key spiritual locations such as Silathoranam and Chakrateertham.
In an effort to expand TTD’s global outreach, a sub-committee will review an expert panel’s report on constructing Sri Venkateswara temples abroad. Meanwhile, the board approved the construction of an integrated administrative building to house various departments under one roof, and sanctioned the demolition of several outdated buildings in Tirumala.
The board also approved the establishment of a Cyber Security Lab to tackle increasing incidents of online fraud targeting pilgrims. Improvements at the Kalyanakatta tonsure complex are being planned with expert input to enhance hygiene and safety. An action plan will be developed for Tallapaka, the birthplace of saint-poet Annamacharya.
The board has cleared the distribution of microphone sets worth ₹79.82 lakh to 320 newly built temples under the Samarasata Seva Foundation. To support unemployed Vedic scholars, ₹2.16 crore has been sanctioned for stipends through the Endowments Department. Additionally, revised funding guidelines have been approved under the SRIVANI Trust for temple and Bhajan Mandir construction in SC, ST, and backward areas, offering graded assistance of ₹10 lakh, ₹15 lakh, or ₹20 lakh.
The board decided to regularise 142 contract drivers employed by TTD, in compliance with a High Court order, and will send the proposal to the state government for further approval. The meeting was attended by Additional EO Venkaiah Chowdary, JEO eerabrahmam, and other board members.
