TTD to Use AI, Facial Recognition & Anti-Drone Technology to Improve Pilgrimage Experience at Tirumala Temple
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the famous Tirumala temple, is planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI), facial recognition, and anti-drone technology to make the pilgrimage experience better and more secure. TTD Executive Officer (EO) J Syamala Rao gave this update on Thursday.
AI and Facial Recognition for Smoother Darshan
TTD will use AI and facial recognition technology to make the darshan process smooth and safe. These tools will help confirm the identity of genuine pilgrims, stop impersonation, and reduce fraud.
EO Rao said that pilgrims will be given time-slotted darshan tokens, and their faces will be scanned using facial recognition. These images will be compared with a database of the past 30 days, containing about 10 lakh images, to detect duplicate bookings.
This system will make issuing and verifying darshan tokens faster and easier. It will also stop people from cheating the system by booking multiple times or using someone else’s identity.
Facial recognition cameras will be installed across the temple premises to track how many people are in queue lines, compartments, and other places. This will help the temple estimate the waiting time for darshan and inform pilgrims about it so they can plan their visit properly.
The cameras will also help TTD manage the crowd, identify intruders, and make overall operations more efficient. In the future, TTD plans to use this facial recognition system for all services, including accommodation and entry control. (Also read: Dhanush to Play APJ Abdul Kalam in Mega Biopic First Look Revaled)
Anti-Drone Technology for Temple Security
In another major step, TTD has announced the use of anti-drone technology to protect the temple from illegal drones. This system will detect, track, and neutralise drones flying over the temple area.
A TTD official said this is a safety measure to stop any misuse of drones, like taking unauthorised videos or risking the privacy and security of the temple. Drones are already banned at Tirumala, but some incidents have raised concern. For example, in April, a YouTuber from Rajasthan was arrested for flying a drone over the temple. Last year, a couple from Haryana did the same near the ghat road.
To stop such problems, TTD has asked the Central Government to declare Tirumala as a ‘No-Fly Zone’. They said that drone activity disturbs the spiritual atmosphere and goes against temple traditions.
More Green Cover and Healthcare Support
Following Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu’s direction, TTD plans to increase green cover in Tirumala from 68.14% to 80%. The Forest Department will get ₹4 crore over three years for this.
TTD has also decided to strengthen the SVIMS Super Specialty Hospital in Tirupati. The board approved ₹71 crore more per year, increasing the total annual support to ₹131 crore. This will help improve medical services, especially for poor people in Rayalaseema. TTD will also fill vacant posts for doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff and complete the construction of new hospital buildings.
A new program called Srivari Vaidya Seva will be launched soon. It will allow doctors and health professionals to volunteer, just like Srivari Seva, which helps in temple activities.
Tech and Tradition Together
TTD is working hard to combine tradition with modern technology. With AI, facial recognition, anti-drone systems, better green cover, and improved healthcare, the temple management wants to make the Tirumala pilgrimage more secure, organised, and spiritual for everyone.
Also read: Bengaluru Sinks Again Tech Hubs Turn to Rivers.