Free Bus Travel Boosts Women’s Temple Visits in Karnataka
What Happened
Karnataka's Shakti Scheme, which provides free bus travel for women, has led to a sharp increase in women pilgrims visiting temples during Sharavana Masa (Shravan month). Temples in Yadgir and Raichur districts reported record footfalls as thousands of women travelled across the state for religious visits using state-run buses.
Key Takeaways
The scheme is boosting religious tourism and making pilgrimages more affordable for women. However, the surge in passengers has also increased crowding on buses, prompting calls for additional services during festival seasons.