Religious tourism gets boost with Karnataka’s Shakti Free Bus scheme

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

The Karnataka government recently implemented the Shakthi programme, which makes bus travel free for women in the state. The plan, which was introduced only two weeks ago, is already a success and has progressively increased religious tourism in the state.

According to accounts, thousands of women attended a variety of Hindu pilgrimage locations this weekend. Women have been observed going in huge groups from Bengaluru and other regions of Karnataka now that bus travel is free.

On June 11, 2023, all state-run buses in Karnataka will be free for women. This change resulted in a significant increase in the number of female travellers visiting various locations around the state. Mysuru, known for its numerous ancient temples and other religious sites, is now seeing high traffic.

According to certain media sources, almost four crore women have already rode in government buses under the Shakti Free Bus initiative in just 12 days. And the price of these tickets has already surpassed INR 100 crores, which is enormous.

Though pilgrimage locations are not as busy during the rainy season, the plan has altered everything.
In light of this, Stree Shakthi organisations in the state are conducting numerous women-specific pilgrimage excursions. Some religious visits began early Saturday morning, with popular sites including Savadatti Yallamma, Kukke Subramanya, Dharmastahala, Mysuru Chamundeshwari hills, Kollur, and Koodala Sangama.

Women are visiting Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple, Male Mahadeshwara Hills, Dasoha Bhavan, Gopalswami Hills, and Srikanteshwara Temple the most.

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