Archive · 29 May 2025
Shakti Scheme Boosts Devotee Numbers in Chamarajanagar District
The Shakti scheme, which gives women free bus rides, has caused more people to visit religious places in Chamarajanagar.
Places like MM Hills and Chikkallur saw a big increase in visitors, with double the number of devotees using buses.
During big festivals, even more people came.
The local bus service is asking for more buses to handle the crowds.
This increase in visitors is also helping local businesses like hotels and shops, and the government is being asked to provide even more buses to accommodate the increased demand.
The Shakti scheme, providing free bus travel for women, increased visits to religious sites.
Devotee numbers to MM Hills doubled, with 7.2 lakh using buses during the 2025 Shivaratri jathra.
KSRTC saw increased ridership during the Ugadi festival, with 1.2 lakh devotees traveling in 2025.
Chikkallur also saw increased devotee numbers, with 1.4 lakh using buses for the jathra mahotsava.
Additional buses are requested by the KSRTC to meet the increasing demand.
- Who
- Devotees and visitors to religious sites in Chamarajanagar district.
- What
- Increased visits to religious sites in Chamarajanagar due to the Shakti scheme.
- When
- Significant increase in 2025, particularly during festivals like Shivaratri and Ugadi.
- Where
- Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, specifically MM Hills, Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, and Chikkallur.
- Why
- The Shakti scheme, offering free travel for women, increased pilgrim numbers.
Hotel Owners' Perspective
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Government Bus Operations
Hotel Owners' Perspective
Hotel owners in Kollegal believe the government should operate additional buses to prevent overcrowding and boost tourism.
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- Scheme
- Shakti (free travel for women)
- Location
- Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka
- Primary Temple
- MM Hills
- 2025 Shivaratri Attendance
- 7.2 lakh devotees (bus users)
- Ugadi Festival Ridership
- 1.2 lakh (2025)
- Chikkallur Ridership
- 1.4 lakh (jathra mahotsava 2025)