TTD Introduces AI and WhatsApp Feedback for Faster Devotee Services
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Executive Officer J. Shyamala Rao announced that the organization is set to implement advanced technologies extensively to make its services more transparent and accessible to devotees. He made these remarks during the "Dial Your EO" program held at Annamayya Bhavan in Tirumala on Saturday, where he interacted directly with devotees and responded to their questions. He also outlined various development initiatives and future plans of TTD.
J. Shyamala Rao stated that modern technologies like Artificial Intelligence, FMS monitoring, and WhatsApp governance will be introduced to ensure quicker and more efficient services to devotees. He mentioned that agreements with Google, Aadhaar-based registration processes, and kiosk services will be rolled out to enhance service speed and quality. A WhatsApp feedback system has also been introduced to continually gather devotee opinions and improve services accordingly.
Comprehensive Overhaul Under CM’s Directives
J. Shyamala Rao stated that a thorough overhaul is underway at TTD based on the directives of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu. He detailed fundamental changes being implemented in core areas such as darshan, accommodation, annaprasadam, and laddu offerings. Plans are in place to strengthen the “Srivari Seva” by engaging experts from various fields. He also mentioned that special arrangements are being made for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to participate in the Srivari Seva and for devotees to engage in "Go Seva" (service to cows). A new system involving group leaders in Srivari Seva is being introduced, and step-by-step training programs for them are being planned.
Special Arrangements for Summer Devotees
Considering the intensity of the summer season, J. Shyamala Rao informed that extensive arrangements have been made in Tirumala and other TTD temples for the convenience of devotees. Shade structures and cool paint have been applied along the temple streets, and continuous water sprinkling is being carried out. Drinking water and buttermilk are being widely distributed in crowded areas and queues. These facilities are also extended to devotees waiting for darshan tokens at Srinivasam, Vishnunivasam, and Bhudevi Complexes in Tirupati.
Planned Development and Temple Expansion
The EO stated that a dedicated Town Planning Department has been established in TTD to facilitate planned development in Tirumala. The state cabinet has approved the necessary staffing for this department. In collaboration with prominent architectural consultancies across India, plans are being prepared for the development of all temples under TTD. In the first phase, master plans are being finalized for temples including Padmavati Ammavari Temple at Tiruchanur, Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Amaravati, and temples at Narayanavanam, Kapilatheertham, Nagalapuram, Ontimitta, as well as sacred sites like Akashaganga and Papavinasanam in Tirumala.
Renaming and Modernization of Guesthouses
TTD has selected 75 spiritual names to rename 45 rest houses in Tirumala. Of these, 42 donors have agreed to the name changes, and TTD will proceed with changing the names of the remaining two guesthouses. Regarding the "Sainik Nivas" rest house, the board has decided to hold discussions with the Indian Army. TTD is also taking steps for the reconstruction of outdated rest houses and modernization of the remaining facilities.
Focus on Quality Annaprasadam
J. Shyamala Rao disclosed that TTD has decided to entrust the operations of big and Janata canteens in Tirumala to reputed agencies to provide higher-quality and tastier food items to devotees. Allocation will be based on managerial capability rather than income. Tenders will be called for shortly. A special Quality Control Lab is being set up over an area of 12,000 square feet to ensure the quality of annaprasadam. An agreement has been reached with Reliance Retail, which has volunteered to offer services free of charge for this initiative.
Other Key Decisions
As per TTD’s policy decision, action has been taken against employees of other faiths. J. Shyamala Rao revealed that the board has approved voluntary retirement for 29 such employees currently serving in TTD. The existing Vaikhanasa Agama Advisory Committee has been dissolved, and a new five-member committee has been appointed.
To enhance green cover in the Tirumala forest region, steps are being taken to increase vegetation from 68% to 80%.
J. Shyamala Rao stated that under a 2014 decision made by then Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, TTD has already constructed temples in eight states. Letters have been sent to 15 state governments and four union territories seeking approval to build temples in their capitals. Once approved, temple construction will commence.
In the TTD cowshed, focused measures are being taken to ensure quality fodder and feed for cows and calves. The EO noted that the practice of applying “Tirunamam” (sacred forehead marking) has been revived in Tirumala and is being conducted regularly in 18 locations by Srivari Sevaks.
Additional EO C.H. Venkayya Chowdary, Chief Engineer T.V. Satyanarayana, and other officials were present at the event.