Karnataka’s Shakti Scheme crosses 500 Cr free bus rides, sets national record in women’s mobility

Karnataka’s Shakti Scheme has achieved a landmark feat, clocking 500 crore free bus rides for women across the state by July 14, 2025. Launched on June 11, 2023, the initiative marks a national benchmark in gender-inclusive public transport, with the total value of free travel now touching ₹12,669 crore.

Also read: Karnataka’s Shakti Scheme nears 500 crore rides, sets new benchmark in public transport

The scheme has had a transformative impact, enabling access to education, healthcare, and employment for millions of women, students, and gender minorities. A commemorative event in Bengaluru celebrated the milestone, where a symbolic 500th crore ticket was presented to a woman passenger. Celebrations extended to taluks and districts with floral greetings, sweet distribution, and ceremonial bus pujas.

Under the scheme, women residents can travel at no cost on city, ordinary, and express buses operated by state transport corporations. In response to the increased demand, the government has sanctioned 5,800 new buses, with 5,049 already inducted, and approved recruitment for 9,000 new posts.

The scheme’s success is further reflected in ridership growth—from 85.84 lakh to 1.17 crore daily—and the replacement of 2,828 older buses. Karnataka’s transport bodies have since received 185 national and international awards, reinforcing the scheme’s impact.