Chandrababu Naidu Launches Pilgrim Experience Centre and Flags Off 32 EV Buses at Tirumala

On Wednesday, Andhra Pradesh’s chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu paid a two‑day visit to the hill shrine of Tirumala and marked a series of first‑of‑its‑kind inaugurations. First up was the Pilgrim Experience Centre, a modest‑looking structure at the Vaikuntham Queue Complex that, despite its size, packs a lot of technology inside.

Built at a cost of about ₹4 crore, the centre invites devotees to watch 3D videos that walk them through the daily ‘kainkaryams’ and puja rituals performed for Lord Venkateswara. In addition, a virtual‑reality (VR) darshan station lets visitors soak in a simulated view of the sanctum – a bit like a high‑tech preview before the actual climb.

Naidu, ever the early‑adopter, tried the VR darshan himself right after the ribbon‑cutting. He chuckled that the experience felt “almost like being there”, a sentiment that probably resonated with many pilgrims who travel long distances to catch a glimpse of the deity.

The day didn’t stop at tech. Shortly after, the chief minister, flanked by senior TTD officials and a few ministers, rolled out 32 electric buses at the Narayanagiri Circle. The fleet, a joint donation from Reliance Foundation (25 buses) and Bharat Biotech (seven buses), is intended to ferry devotees up the steep climb while keeping the hill’s air cleaner.

Both corporate partners also handed over charging stations, a practical touch that should keep the buses humming without a hitch. Nitin Seth, CEO of Reliance EV Mobility, and Suchitra Ella, managing director of Bharat Biotech, were on hand to present the equipment and congratulate the TTD team.

In a symbolic gesture, Naidu climbed aboard one of the freshly flagged electric buses and rode a short distance, underscoring his administration’s push for greener transport in sacred spaces. The move has been hailed by environmentalists as a welcome step toward reducing carbon footprints on the heavily trafficked pilgrimage route.

Finally, the chief minister opened the S.V. Museum, a modest exhibition that chronicles the life and legacy of the saintly figure after whom the shrine is named. The museum, like the experience centre, blends history with interactive displays, offering a richer context for both first‑time visitors and seasoned devotees.

All in all, the visit combined heritage, technology and sustainability – a triad that Naidu hopes will set a benchmark for other pilgrim sites across the country.