TIRUMALA: Finding accommodation, darshan queue complexes, food facilities and other essential services at Tirumala is set to become easier for devotees, with the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) introducing a technology-driven mobile application called ‘Venkatadri’.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched the app virtually. It is designed to help pilgrims navigate the temple town and locate important facilities without having to depend entirely on internet connectivity.
Information on over 350 locations
The app provides information on more than 350 important locations spread across 25 divisions of Tirumala. One of its key features is offline navigation, which is intended to help devotees find their way even when internet access is unavailable.
Venkatadri supports five languages — Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Hindi and English — making it accessible to pilgrims from different parts of the country.
TTD is also planning to install digital kiosks at various locations in Tirumala to assist devotees who may not use smartphones.
AI-powered voice assistance
The application includes an artificial intelligence-based voice assistant that allows users to search for locations through voice commands. The facility is designed to operate round the clock, helping pilgrims obtain directions and information more conveniently.
Another useful feature, ‘Mark My Spot’, enables users to mark the location where they have parked their vehicles, reducing the chances of forgetting the parking spot in the crowded temple town.
Details of accommodation, food and transport
Venkatadri is designed to help devotees locate a wide range of facilities, including accommodation allotment counters, darshan queue complexes, free annaprasadam centres and canteens.
It also provides information on free luggage counters, footwear stands, Kalyanakatta, drinking water facilities and public toilets. Details of hospitals, police stations and emergency contact numbers are intended to help pilgrims seek assistance when required.
The app also includes information on parking areas, free bus routes and bus schedules, allowing devotees to plan their movement around Tirumala more efficiently.
Emergency contacts at the touch of a button
The application reportedly provides quick access to TTD helplines, police assistance and other emergency contact numbers.
Devotees can check the Google Play Store or Apple App Store for the app’s availability. Its official availability and features should be verified through TTD’s official announcements.
The initiative is expected to make navigation easier, particularly for first-time visitors and elderly pilgrims, by bringing information about essential services together on a single digital platform.
