Piyush Goyal praises TTD’s AI system for improving pilgrim services at Tirumala

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Friday (June 5, 2026) commended the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) for harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies to enhance pilgrim services, describing the initiative as a model of efficient and transparent public service delivery.

After offering prayers at the hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara, Mr. Goyal also visited the TTD’s Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) at the Vaikuntham Queue Complex, and expressed satisfaction over its functioning and technology-enabled management of pilgrim amenities.

Addressing the media, the Union Minister said the AI-powered system enables real-time monitoring of accommodation occupancy, pilgrim movement, queue-line status and laddu prasadam distribution, significantly improving operational efficiency and transparency. The platform, he said, provides instant access to critical data, including room availability, compartment-wise waiting pilgrims, hourly influx of devotees and prasadam distribution metrics.

Mr. Goyal praised Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and IT Minister Nara Lokesh for championing technology-led governance and accelerating the State’s development agenda. He also acknowledged the contribution of overseas Indian devotees who supported the project, and congratulated TTD officials for implementing the AI-based system.

Earlier, marking World Environment Day, the Minister took part in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign and planted a sapling in his mother’s name. Calling the experience deeply fulfilling, he said the nationwide initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi would play a pivotal role in fostering environmental awareness and promoting sustainable living.

Urging children across the country to plant and nurture a tree in their mother’s name, Mr. Goyal said the campaign would contribute meaningfully to expanding green cover and strengthening environmental conservation efforts.

The Union Minister also said it had become a personal tradition for him to visit Tirumala in the first week of June each year, coinciding with his birthday, to seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara. He said he prayed for the strength to continue serving the nation and advancing public welfare.

TTD Executive Officer Muddada Ravi Chandra, Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary and Chief Vigilance and Security Officer Murali Krishna were among those present.