CM Naidu unveils technology-driven pilgrim facilities in Tirumala 

Tirumala: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said that Tirumala is set to undergo a technology-driven transformation aimed at making the pilgrim experience more convenient while preserving its spiritual and ecological character. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) would focus on combining spirituality, pilgrim services, environmental protection and modern technology to develop Tirumala as a global model of spirituality. He noted that 89.5 percent of the hill shrine area was covered by greenery and stressed the need to safeguard the existing green cover.

Naidu inaugurated a series of new and upgraded facilities in Tirumala on Wednesday including a Pilgrims’ Experience Centre at Vaikuntam Queue Complex-I, the renovated Sri Venkateswara Museum and 32 electric buses introduced for pilgrim transportation.

The Pilgrims’ Experience Centre has been designed to give devotees a virtual glimpse of the rituals and pujas performed for Lord Venkateswara. Using 3D technology, visitors can also virtually explore important locations in Tirumala. The Chief Minister experienced the virtual darshan facility through six DVR-based virtual reality systems.

He later reopened the renovated SV Museum, which has been redesigned to explain the history, traditions and religious significance of Tirumala in a manner that can be easily understood by visitors.

Developed by the TCS Trust at a cost of Rs 104 crore, the museum features replicas of ornaments presented to Lord Venkateswara by rulers, including Sri Krishnadevaraya. Historical artefacts belonging to different periods, along with 3D models of crowns and ornaments used to adorn the deity, have also been put on display. During his visit, Naidu watched an AI-generated presentation on the divine wedding of Lord Venkateswara on a panoramic screen.

The Chief Minister subsequently flagged off 32 electric buses donated by the Reliance Foundation and Bharat Biotech. Accompanied by Reliance E-Mobility CEO Nitin Seth, Bharat Biotech managing director Suchitra Ella, Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, TTD chairman BR Naidu and board members, he travelled in one of the buses from Narayanagiri Circle to the SV Museum.

Naidu also announced plans to extend social security measures to pilgrims. He said the TTD had decided to provide insurance coverage to every pilgrim visiting Tirumala. An Aadhaar-based online insurance system would be introduced in association with the LIC. In the event of a pilgrim’s death in Tirumala, the scheme would provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh.

The Chief Minister further said the government was planning to construct 5,000 Sri Venkateswara temples across the state through the Srivani Trust. Proposals had also been received for setting up temples in countries including Mauritius and New Zealand, and these were under examination. He added that an action plan was being prepared to make use of the services of Srivari Sevaks in the education and healthcare sectors, broadening their role beyond temple-related activities. Minister Anagani Satya Prasad, TTD EO M Ravichandra, Additional EO Ch Venkaiah Chowdary and others were among those present.

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Pradeep Vennelakanti

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