Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has begun a trial run of face recognition technology in Tirumala, effective March 1, 2023. The technology will be rolled out initially at Sarvadarshan (free darshan) counters, laddu counters, and accommodation centers in the hill town. Subsequently, it will be introduced to other pilgrim services in phases. The introduction of this technology is aimed at helping the TTD administration deny services to devotees who repeatedly try to access free darshan, while others are made to wait for a long time. Devotees will be permitted free darshan once a month, with the new facial recognition system being used to restrict individuals attempting to access free darshan more than a specified number of times within a month. To avoid any confusion, a TTD official has clarified that the use of this technology is intended to streamline the services offered to devotees and reduce wait times. The new system will allow the TTD to better manage the flow of
