Archive · 4 Aug 2025
AI for Tirumala Temple Crowd Management Sparks Debate
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) wants to use AI to help people get into the temple faster.
Some people who used to work there think it might not work because the temple is too crowded and suggest improving facilities like waiting areas instead.
The current chairman says the AI is for managing lines and will not change any religious practices.
The technology is being donated by companies like Google and TCS.
TTD plans to use AI for crowd management and reduce darshan wait times.
Former TTD executive officer L.V. Subramanyam criticized the plan, calling it unrealistic.
Subramanyam cited space constraints and suggested enhancing pilgrim amenities instead.
TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu defended the AI initiative, stating it's developed with donor support.
Naidu clarified AI will streamline queue management and won't affect temple rituals.
- Who
- TTD, L.V. Subramanyam, and B.R. Naidu
- What
- TTD's plan to use AI for crowd management and reduce darshan wait times
- When
- News was reported on Sunday, but specific event dates are not given.
- Where
- Tirumala Temple
- Why
- To reduce waiting times and improve the devotee experience.
Concerns from L.V. Subramanyam
Support from B.R. Naidu
Feasibility
Concerns from L.V. Subramanyam
AI implementation is unrealistic due to space and procedural limitations.
Support from B.R. Naidu
AI can improve queue management and reduce waiting times.
Resource Allocation
Concerns from L.V. Subramanyam
Funds should be used to improve existing pilgrim amenities.
Support from B.R. Naidu
AI development uses donor funding and will not affect religious practices.
- Organization
- Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD)
- Technology
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Purpose of AI
- Crowd management and reducing darshan wait times
- Criticism
- L.V. Subramanyam questioned feasibility and suggested alternative spending.
- Defense
- B.R. Naidu stated that the AI is being developed at no cost to the TTD with donor support.
- Developers
- Google and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (donor support)
