QR code-based footwear management system improves devotee convenience, hygiene in Tirumala

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has achieved remarkable success with its new QR code-based footwear tracking and management system, significantly enhancing hygiene and convenience for devotees. Introduced as part of a broader push towards technology-driven governance, the system has streamlined the deposit and retrieval of footwear for lakhs of devotees visiting the hill temple.

Between September 2025 and February 15, 2026, the digital platform facilitated 8,45,816 footwear deposit and delivery transactions. Of the 4,24,047 pairs received during this period, 4,21,769 were safely returned to devotees — reflecting a high recovery rate and underscoring the system’s operational efficiency.

The PAC-5 centre recorded the highest volume, managing 1,38,270 deposits and successfully returning 1,37,904 pairs, while other key footwear countres also displayed good performance. The system’s resilience during peak devotee rush was particularly evident between February 1 and 15, when 1,35,314 transactions were recorded in a span of just 15 days.

The initiative was spearheaded by TTD Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary following longstanding concerns over misplaced footwear and congestion in high-footfall areas. Implemented with support from Coromandel International Limited and under the supervision of Deputy Executive Officer Somanarayana, the system has significantly improved transparency in the collection and disbursal of footwears.

Devotees have reportedly welcomed the reform, noting that instances of lost footwear and disorder have diminished drastically.

Buoyed with the success, plans are under way to expand the system with additional counters at Kalyanakatta, Bedi Anjaneyaswamy temple and ATC Circle.

With the TTD enforcing footwear ban along the four ‘mada’ streets encircling the temple, the smart system not only ensures compliance, but has also emerged as a key contributor in the maintenance of cleanliness in Tirumala.