AI-Driven Devotee Services at Tirumala Praiseworthy, Says Union Minister Piyush Goyal
Tirumala, June 5(TNT): Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Friday lauded the use of Artificial Intelligence and advanced technology in managing pilgrim services at Tirumala, describing the initiative as a model for efficient and transparent governance.
After offering prayers at the sacred shrine of Sri Venkateswara Temple, the Union Minister was accorded Vedic blessings at Ranganayakula Mandapam.
TTD Executive Officer M. Ravichandra presented him with Srivari Theertha Prasadam and a portrait of the deity.
Goyal later visited the Integrated Common Command Centre (ICCC) at the Vaikuntham Queue Complex, where TTD Additional Executive Officer C.H. Venkaiah Chowdary briefed him on the centre’s operations and technological capabilities.
Addressing the media, Goyal said the AI-enabled ICCC continuously monitors key aspects of pilgrim management, including accommodation occupancy, devotee movement, darshan queue status and laddu prasadam distribution, ensuring greater transparency and improved service delivery.
He noted that the command centre provides real-time information on room availability, the number of devotees waiting in various queue compartments, hourly pilgrim arrivals and prasadam distribution, enabling authorities to respond swiftly and efficiently.
The Union Minister commended Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and IT Minister Nara Lokesh for promoting technology-driven governance and contributing to the state’s development.
He also thanked overseas Indian devotees who supported the project and congratulated TTD officials for implementing the AI-based system within just 100 days.
Earlier, on the occasion of World Environment Day, Goyal participated in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” plantation programme and planted a sapling in his mother’s name.
Describing the experience as deeply fulfilling, he expressed hope that the initiative would strengthen environmental awareness across the country.
Calling upon children to plant and nurture a tree in their mother’s name, he said the campaign, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, would help expand green cover and promote environmental conservation.
Goyal also revealed that it has become a personal tradition for him to visit Tirumala during the first week of June each year, coinciding with his birthday, to seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara.
He said he prayed for strength to continue serving the nation and contributing to the welfare of its people.
TTD Additional EO C.H. Venkaiah Chowdary, CVSO Murali Krishna, Temple Deputy EO Lokanatham and other officials were present on the occasion.
TNT TS
