The Karnataka Endowment Department has witnessed a remarkable financial turnaround, with online room booking systems at pilgrim centers driving substantial revenue growth and eliminating previous losses.
Digital Transformation Yields Impressive Results
The department's decision to move accommodation bookings online from 2023 has proven to be a game-changing strategy. This digital initiative has not only streamlined the booking process for devotees but has also effectively prevented the pilferage of funds that previously plagued the system.
According to sources familiar with the department's operations, the revenue collection has seen a massive jump, transforming what was once a loss-making venture into a profitable operation. The success is particularly notable given that only approximately 60% of available accommodations are currently being booked through the online platform.
Combating Financial Leakage Through Technology
The implementation of online booking has directly addressed the issue of fund diversion that had been affecting the department's financial health. Before the digital system was introduced, manual booking processes created opportunities for financial irregularities and revenue leakage.
Pavan Kumar H, reporting on November 28, 2025, highlighted the significant impact of this digital shift. The transparent nature of online transactions has ensured that payments reach the department directly, cutting out middlemen and eliminating opportunities for corruption.
Future Prospects and Expansion Potential
With the current system operating at only 60% capacity, there is substantial room for further revenue growth as more pilgrims adopt the online booking platform. The department anticipates even greater financial returns as awareness of the convenient digital service spreads among devotees visiting Karnataka's numerous pilgrim centers.
The success story of the Karnataka Endowment Department serves as a model for other state departments and religious institutions across India, demonstrating how technology can revolutionize traditional systems while boosting transparency and revenue simultaneously.
