TTD introduces facial recognition technology

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) has introduced facial recognition technology on Wednesday for darshan on experimental basis.

The TTD introduced the technology at Vaikuntam 2 complex and in the Accommodation Management System.

TTD officials said that the idea is to enhance transparency in tokenless darshan and allotment of rooms providing more effective services to the pilgrims.

This new system will be used to prevent a person from procuring more tokens in Sarva Darshan (free darshan) Complex and also at the Caution Deposit refund counters.

Officials said that use of the technology would also help them in denying darshan to people who come repeatedly, while other devotees have to wait for a long time. A devotee will not be allowed to have free darshan more than once a month.

The Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) will also be helpful for the TTD in ensuring that rooms for accommodation are allotted to genuine devotees at subsidised rentals. This is likely to check middlemen and touts, who book rooms at subsidised rentals and later transfer allocation to devotees by charging exorbitant prices.

Depending on the results of implementation of FRT for Sarva Darshan and accommodation management system, the TTD will work out a plan to extend it to other wings.

The hill shrine attracts 50,000 to one lakh pilgrims every day. The number on special occasions like the annual Brahmotsavam and festivals goes up to 4-5 lakh.