Free Bus Travel Empowers Women, Boosts Jobs and Income Across Karnataka
CH NEWS
Karnataka’s flagship women’s empowerment initiative, the Shakti Scheme, has secured a prestigious place in the Golden Book of World Records for recording the highest number of women passengers in a single programme. Between June 11, 2023, and July 20, 2025, the scheme facilitated over 5.49 billion journeys—equivalent to more than 500 crore tickets—marking an unprecedented global achievement.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar have emphasized that the scheme is not just about free travel but about empowering women socially, economically, educationally, and industrially.
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, under whose leadership the scheme was launched during his second term, said implementing Shakti at a time when state transport corporations were struggling with debt, lack of new buses, and a recruitment freeze was a huge challenge. He credited the success to the combined efforts of KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC management boards, officers, employees, and union leaders, whose dedication made the scheme possible.
In its two years, the scheme has transformed the transport sector with the addition of 5,800 new buses, recruitment of 10,000 staff, and clearance of ₹2,000 crore in debt. A study by the Sustainable Mobility Network found that free bus travel under Shakti boosted women’s employment by 23% in Bengaluru and 21% in Hubballi-Dharwad, contributing to higher per capita income in Karnataka. The scheme’s success has inspired several other states to adopt similar models, reinforcing its impact as a pioneering social initiative. The recognition stands as a proud milestone for Karnataka and its commitment to inclusive growth.
