TTD’s Plan For AI-Assisted Quick Darshan Triggers Debate

Speaking to reporters at Tirumala on Sunday, Subramanyam, who also served as the TTD executive officer (EO), underlined that providing darshan within one to two hours using AI is practically unfeasible, given the physical and procedural limitations inside the Tirumala Temple. He appealed to the TTD trust board to drop the plan and instead direct funds and efforts towards improving amenities for devotees awaiting darshan of Lord Venkateswara.

Subramanyam said, “Spending on unproven technology in the name of AI is not wise. While the intention behind the idea might be to improve pilgrimage experience, the reality on ground does not support such expectations. No matter how advanced the technology, managing lakhs of devotees within such limited physical space cannot ensure quick darshan for all. It is not practical or beneficial,” he observed, appealing to TTD that it drop the idea.

However, TTD chairman B.R. Naidu issued a sharp rebuttal. He defended the AI initiative and criticised the former chief secretary’s remarks. The devasthanam chairman said the comments lack understanding of the current efforts and technological potential. He went on to say:

“It is unfortunate that a senior officer, who once served as TTD EO, is making ill-informed statements. The AI system is being developed with the help of reputed organisations like Google and TCS free of cost, through donor support. Calling it a waste of funds is misleading,” Naidu observed.

He underlined that the purpose of using AI is to reduce the prolonged waiting times and hardships faced by ordinary devotees, particularly in the Vaikuntam queue complex. “Should devotees be forced to wait for hours or even days in sheds and compartments? AI is being introduced to bring efficiency, not to interfere with temple traditions,” he maintained.

The TTD chairman said AI will only be used to allot time slots, regulate crowds and streamline queue management; but not in any aspect of worship or rituals.

“The world is moving ahead with AI. TTD using this technology for crowd management is not wrong. Comments dismissing its relevance are not acceptable. We strongly refute them,” Naidu stated.