Chandrababu Naidu Unveils Pilgrim Experience Centre, S.V. Museum and 32 New Electric Buses at Tirumala

On a bright Wednesday morning in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh’s chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu slipped into a virtual‑reality headset and took a digital darshan of the hill shrine – a fitting start to the ceremony that would see a new Pilgrim Experience Centre opened at the bustling Vaikuntham Queue Complex.

Built at a price tag of roughly ₹4 crore, the centre blends 3‑D video screens with immersive VR stations, letting visitors watch daily kainkaryams, the ritual worship of Lord Venkateswara, and even glimpse the ancient stories that make Tirumala special. Mr Naidu, after cutting the ceremonial ribbon, tried the VR darshan himself and laughed that it felt like “a pilgrimage without the long trek”.

Alongside the tech‑laden hub, the chief minister also opened the S.V. Museum – a modest but thoughtfully curated space that traces the life and legacy of the saint‑like figure after whom it is named. The museum’s displays, ranging from old photographs to hand‑written letters, aim to give devotees a deeper sense of the spiritual lineage that the hill embodies.

The day’s highlight, however, was the flag‑off of a fleet of 32 electric buses at Narayanagiri Circle. Twenty‑five of those vehicles came courtesy of the Reliance Foundation, while Bharat Biotech pitched in seven more. Both donors also set up charging stations, signalling a push toward greener transport for the throngs of pilgrims that flood the hills each year.

In true ceremonial fashion, Naidu rode one of the shiny new buses for a short spin around the complex, waving to the crowd of devotees, officials and journalists. TTD chairman B.R. Prasad, along with senior ministers and TTD staff, hailed the move as a “big step toward sustainable pilgrimage”.

As the sun dipped behind the hills, the newly‑minted electric fleet stood gleaming at the circle, a promise that the age‑old tradition of Tirumala can coexist with modern, environmentally‑friendly technology. For many who witnessed the events, the blend of heritage, high‑tech and green mobility left a lasting impression – one that, perhaps, will inspire other pilgrimage sites across the country.