Karnataka’s Shakti Scheme Sets New World Record with Over 500 Crore Women’s Bus Journeys

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Karnataka’s pioneering Shakti Yojana has created a significant milestone, as over 500 crore women passengers have availed free ticketed bus rides under the scheme—a feat recorded in the Golden Book of World Records.

A Landmark Achievement in Public Transport

  • Record-Breaking Reach: Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy announced that from June 11, 2023, to July 20, 2025, the initiative recorded more than 500 crore journeys for women across Karnataka.
  • Record Recognition: This milestone was honored by the USA-based Golden Book of World Records, placing Karnataka’s state transport initiative into the global spotlight.
  • Economic Value: The scheme’s free bus travel benefits have been valued at approximately ₹12,669 crore, reinforcing the scope of its economic impact.

Enabling Women’s Mobility & Empowerment

  • Increased Access: Daily ridership soared from 85.84 lakh to 1.17 crore women passengers, broadening access to education, employment, and healthcare.
  • Boost to Women Employment: Studies show that women’s workforce participation jumped by 23% in Bengaluru and 21% in Hubli-Dharwad, affirming how improved transport access enhances livelihood opportunities.

Expanding Reach: Buses, Fleet, and Staff Growth

  • Fleet Expansion: As demand surged, the state added 5,800 new buses, with 5,049 already deployed across KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC.
  • Job Creation & Funding: Around 10,000 new recruitments were approved, supported by ₹2,000 crore in financial aid and ₹12,669 crore spent so far.

Celebrations & Symbolism

  • During the 500 crore milestone celebrations, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah personally issued a symbolic pink ticket to a female passenger, embodying the scheme’s spirit.
  • In Mysuru, 31 crore women benefited from the scheme, underscoring its significant district-level impact. A floral procession and festive performances marked the occasion.

Why It Matters

  1. Women’s Empowerment: Enabling free mobility transforms the lives of students, working women, homemakers, and gender minorities alike.
  2. Economic Progress: As public transport accessibility improves, per capita income and regional development receive a visible boost.
  3. Policy Influence: The success has prompted other Indian states to study and replicate the model under customized frameworks.

Karnataka’s Shakti Yojana has elevated public welfare to new heights—marrying gender equity with impactful governance. This record-breaking achievement inspires not just Karnataka, but the nation, affirming that public transport can be a powerful tool for social transformation.

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