TTD rolls out data driven plan to meet the summer pilgrim surge

In anticipation of a substantial surge in pilgrim footfall during the impending summer vacation, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) has unveiled an expansive, data-driven blueprint aimed at ensuring expeditious darshan and enhanced civic amenities for the visiting devotees.

Chairing a high-level review at the Sudharma auditorium in the Padmavathi Guest House, TTD Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary on Friday (February 20) affirmed that meticulous, evidence-based planning was underway to pre-empt logistical bottlenecks and minimise waiting periods, particularly for common pilgrims.

The meeting undertook a granular analysis of summer data relating to the previous years, examining key indicators such as daily darshan volumes, queue-line density, compartment occupancy and spillover patterns affecting the following day schedules.

The insights proved helpful in fine-tuning operational protocols, ensuring optimal time management and seamless inter-departmental coordination.

A battery of pilgrim-centric measures has been set in motion. Annaprasadam services, drinking water distribution points to be augmented and additional shelters erected along pedestrian pathways. Cool painting will be undertaken along mada streets and other high-footfall corridors to mitigate thermal stress.

To combat dehydration, the number of buttermilk distribution counters will also be significantly increased.

Anticipating a seasonal uptick in family pilgrimages, TTD will streamline accommodation allotment and food service management to enhance efficiency and comfort. Medical infrastructure along trekking routes and in congestion-prone zones will be reinforced to provide prompt and accessible healthcare support.

In a decisive technological push, the Integrated AI Command and Control Centre will be leveraged to intensify real-time surveillance of pilgrim inflow and outflow. Hourly analytics and minute-to-minute queue monitoring will empower authorities to take swift administrative decisions and rationally regulate darshan categories for smoother movement.

Recounting prior benchmarks, Mr. Chowdary noted that in June last, TTD facilitated darshan for an average of 80,000 to 82,000 devotees daily, while January 2026 recorded upwards of 74,000 pilgrims per day, milestones achieved through rigorous time discipline and cohesive teamwork.

He also underscored the need for all departments to function in concert to deliver a swift, orderly, and spiritually elevating darshan.