Hyderabad: Marking the one-year completion of taking over as Chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), B R Naidu briefed the media and spoke of his vision of a queue-free pilgrimage, with darshan time capped at 2-3 hours. Since assuming charge on November 6, 2024, he has prioritized devotee comfort and the global outreach of Hindu Dharma.

Naidu's year-long drive has transformed TTD into a beacon of efficiency and empathy. Foremost, sanctity safeguards: legal actions to phase out non-Hindu employees drew worldwide Hindu acclaim, while strict restrictions on political speeches, false propaganda, and activities offending devotees—including criminal cases—upheld the temple's religious ethos.

Historic plans for 5,000 temples across Andhra Pradesh's Dalit, Harijan, and fishermen colonies via the Srivari Trust have shifted from ad-hoc grants of ₹10-15 lakh to proactive temple constructions, safeguarding Sanatana Dharma. TTD temples are planned in all state capitals, with global expansion through expert committees. Progress has been made on Assam’s first TTD temple on 10 acres, and land allocations have been advanced in Maharashtra; negotiations with Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana are ongoing, including a ₹30 crore project for a temple in Karimnagar and others in Dubbaka, Manthani, Khammam, and Siddipet.

The Annaprasadam overhaul ensures the use of premium ingredients, hygiene, and taste, with 'Vada' added to the menu for over 1 lakh beneficiaries daily. A new Food Safety Department and senior hires have bolstered standards. Laddu production has soared from 3-3.5 lakh to 4-4.5 lakh per day, aided by automated bundling, mixing, and Tata-supported ghee tanks—marking a historic leap.

Land protection initiatives reclaimed 50 acres around Tirumala's seven hills—including Alipiri Zoo Park and Mumtaz Hotel—from tourism encroachments. Religious law amendments now ban commercial ventures in these areas. A mega complex is planned in this reclaimed land, aiming to accommodate 25,000 devotees with recreation facilities, food courts, and direct buses to timed darshans—addressing weekend footfalls of 80,000-90,000 against Tirumala’s current 30,000 capacity.

Employee welfare measures have regularized 650 contract drivers, lecturers, and teachers with over 15 years of service, including some with 23 years. A committee now reviews high tariffs, such as ₹15,000 daily for staying at the Padmavathi Guest House.

Additionally, 100 electric buses have been sanctioned by Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy, which will operate for ferrying pilgrims between Tirupati and Tirumala, Naidu said.

A decision has also been taken to rename Renigunta Airport as Sri Venkateswara International Airport. Once approved by the state Cabinet, the proposal will be sent to the Civil Aviation Ministry. After approval, the airport will be remodeled with a spectacular temple design, providing arriving tourists a sense of Lord Balaji’s darshan, Naidu explained.

A CSIR-leased advanced food laboratory on TTD land offers free testing of ghee and water. Sacred sites such as Akasaganga, Papavinasanam, Srivari Mettu, and Padalu will receive eco-spiritual upgrades. Ontimitta's historic Ramalayam will be developed with 100-room accommodations and a nature park. The Kanipakam temple has been allocated ₹25 crore, and Talakona Rs 19 crore for development and upgrades.

A record Rs. 918 crore in donations was received in 11 months—highest ever—indicating renewed trust. The Brahmotsavams concluded with the Garuda Vahana Seva over nine seamless days. Board members reduced their personal quota letters to two daily, revised VIP darshan timings to save 2-2.5 hours for common pilgrims. Several guest houses—45 in total, renamed with Lord Venkateswara’s names—and a cyber lab proposal aim to combat online frauds, emphasizing the use of the official website only.

Looking ahead, Naidu’s "dream project"—AI and IT integration—aims to create a queue-free pilgrimage, with darshan time capped at 2-3 hours. A successful pilot, despite initial resistance from officials, has paved the way for a full rollout. EO Anil Singhal is championing this initiative, which will end 12-24 hour waits. "We will transform Tirumala using the world’s best technologies," Naidu stated.

"Sanatana Dharma will flourish both domestically and globally, showcasing Lord Venkateswara's glory—all driven by selfless service that places devotees first," the chairman concluded.