INDIA, June 27, 2023 (Times of India): Recently, the government of Karnataka introduced the Shakthi scheme making bus travel free for women in the state. Introduced just two weeks ago, the scheme is already a hit and has gradually boosted religious tourism in the state. As per reports, hundreds of thousands of women visited a number of Hindu pilgrimage sites during this weekend. Now that the bus travel is free, women have been seen traveling in large groups from Bengaluru and other districts of Karnataka in full capacity. As of now, Mysuru, which is noted for its many ancient temples and other religious places, is experiencing great footfall. As per a few media reports, more than forty million women have already traveled in government buses under the Shakti Free Bus scheme in just 12 days. Though pilgrimage centers don’t see such rush during monsoons, the scheme has changed everything. [HPI note: other reports, such as https://indusscrolls.com/free-bus-rides-scheme-impacts-bengaluru-auto-drivers-livelihoods indicate the program has had an adverse impact on bus and taxi drivers.]

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/travel-news/karnatakas-shakti-free-bus-scheme-boosts-religious-tourism-in-the-state/articleshow/101308222.cms

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