India
Naidu Opens Pilgrim Experience Centre, SV Museum and Launches 32 Electric Buses in Tirumala
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated a Pilgrim Experience Centre at the Vaikuntham Queue Complex, flagged off 32 electric buses, and opened the S.V. Museum in Tirumala on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. The two‑day visit to the hill shrine saw the centre, built at a cost of ₹4 crore, offer devotees 3D videos of daily ‘kainkaryams’ and puja rituals for Lord Venkateswara, as well as a virtual‑reality darshan of Tirumala, which Mr. Naidu tried after the inauguration.
At Narayanagiri Circle, Mr. Naidu, accompanied by ministers and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) officials, launched 32 electric buses. Reliance Foundation supplied 25 of the buses, while Bharat Biotech contributed seven. Nitin Seth, CEO of Reliance EV Mobility, and Suchitra Ella, Managing Director of Bharat Biotech, handed over charging stations to the TTD.
During a prior visit to Tirumala in June, Anant Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance, had announced the provision of 25 electric buses for devotees. After the flag‑off, Mr. Naidu travelled in one of the buses from Narayanagiri Circle to the museum.
The S.V. Museum, which Mr. Naidu inaugurated and toured, showcases the history and significance of Tirumala and the glory of Lord Venkateswara. Exhibits include models of jewellery offered to the deity on various occasions, including those associated with Sri Krishnadevaraya, and displays of historical aspects. Crowns and ornaments worn by Lord Venkateswara have been recreated as 3D models. Mr. Naidu also viewed an AI‑generated video of the deity’s wedding festivities on a panoramic screen. The museum displays temples, sculptures, and geographical features of the Tirumala hills, a 3D model of the seven hills, weapons surrendered by kings, and musical instruments used by devotees such as saint‑composer Annamacharya.
On the first day of his visit, Mr. Naidu presented a pair of ‘silk vastrams’ to Lord Venkateswara on behalf of the state government, the customary offering for the annual Brahmotsavams that began in the evening. He carried the vastrams on a silver plate on his head in a ceremonial procession to the main temple and handed them to the chief priest. His wife N. Bhuvaneswari, son and IT Minister Nara Lokesh, and daughter‑in‑law Nara Brahmini accompanied him. TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu and Executive Officer Muddada Ravichandra presented the laddu and ‘theertha prasadam’.