The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) administration has strongly dismissed allegations made by former TTD chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy regarding the Srivani tickets booking system. The TTD authorities maintained that its online booking systems are entirely transparent and foolproof.
Online Srivani Ticket System
According to TTD officials, the online Srivani ticket system, launched in May 2019 in collaboration with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), remains fully operational. Based on requests from devotees, the current booking system was modified to allocate tickets through online mode on a first-come, first-served basis. Devotees who access the application first are given priority.
High Demand and Quick Booking
TTD authorities clarified that due to thousands of devotees attempting to book the highly sought-after tickets daily, the entire quota of 800 tickets per day is booked within less than a minute and a half after release. Tickets are issued only after successful payment via the payment gateway. If a payment fails for any reason, the corresponding ticket returns to the general pool. This standard practice is also implemented in services like IRCTC and other government-run booking systems.
No Human Intervention
The Tirupati trust emphasized that any form of human intervention is completely eliminated in this process. The system operates systematically in an utterly transparent manner. To enhance devotee convenience, TTD has abolished the use of auto-filling and copy-paste mechanisms, ensuring equal opportunities for all.
Annual Audit and Transparency
Allaying concerns, TTD clarified that all its systems undergo an annual audit conducted through AP Technology Services (APTS), adding an extra layer of technical audit and transparency.
Appointment of IT General Manager
TTD authorities also dismissed criticism about not appointing a full-time IT general manager. They clarified that a qualified person with extensive 32 years of experience in the IT sector was appointed as GM (IT) [FAC] (Full Additional Charge) on a stop-gap arrangement.
Reddy's Claims Refuted
Responding to Bhumana Karunakar Reddy's claim about being unable to book a Srivani ticket for himself online, TTD administration made a startling revelation: the former TTD chief did not have sufficient balance in his account to complete the payment procedure and avail of the darshan ticket.
