Kurnool:Temples across Rayalaseema are witnessing a sharp rise in devotee footfall during weekends, with women accounting for nearly 70 to 75 per cent of visitors. Prominent pilgrimage centres as well as lesser-known temples are seeing larger crowds, indicating a shift in travel patterns.
Officials attribute the increase partly to the Stree Shakti free bus travel scheme, which has encouraged more women to visit temples. APSRTC sources said the average occupancy rate on buses across the region has reached 88 per cent and rises above 90 per cent during weekends, festivals and long holidays.
“To meet the growing demand, we are operating full services even on weekends. A majority of passengers are women availing themselves of the free travel facility under the Stree Shakti scheme,” said APSRTC Kadapa regional manager P.S. Ramesh Babu.
Data from Nandyal district highlights the trend. Between August 15, 2025, and May 15, 2026, nearly 1.70 crore passengers travelled on APSRTC buses, with women accounting for around 75 per cent. Officials said the numbers were steadily increasing.
Srisailam, one of the state’s major pilgrimage centres, has recorded a significant rise in footfall. “Earlier, the temple used to receive 10,000 to 20,000 devotees a day. Now, more than 40,000 people are visiting daily, especially during weekends,” a temple official said.
Several lesser-known temples are also drawing larger crowds after gaining visibility through social media. The Subramanya Swamy temple at Pampanur in Kuderu mandal of Anantapur district, which once attracted limited footfall, is now witnessing a heavy rush on Tuesdays and Sundays.
“In the past, very few devotees visited this temple. Now, it is crowded on special days, and we are seeing a steady rise in visitors,” said a temple priest.
Similarly, the Vijayadurga temple in Kadapa town has gained popularity in recent months, with devotees increasingly using public transport to visit it. “I visit the temple every Tuesday and Friday. I start early in the morning by bus and return by afternoon,” said M. Padmavathi, a resident of Proddatur.
Across the undivided Rayalaseema districts of Kadapa, Kurnool, Chittoor and Anantapur, APSRTC operates around 3,865 buses, including hired services. The Tirupati region alone accounts for 793 buses. On peak days, more than five lakh passengers travel on APSRTC buses in a single day, according to official estimates.
The rise in footfall is also benefiting businesses around temples. “Compared to the past, the number of devotees has increased significantly. Mondays and weekends are particularly busy,” said N. Ravisekhar, a small trader near Mahanandi temple.
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