Shakti Scheme Hits Milestone: 500 Crore Free Bus Rides for Women Across Karnataka

By: WE Staff | Tuesday, 15 July 2025

• Shakti Scheme, initiated on June 11, 2023, has reached 500 crore free women bus trips in Karnataka by July 14, 2025
• The scheme is a flagship programme of the Karnataka government to empower women by providing them free access to public transport
• The milestone demonstrates the huge take-up and success of the scheme within two years

The state government's Shakti Scheme, which was kicked off on June 11, 2023, has recorded a historic milestone in providing 500 crore complimentary bus travel for women throughout the state by July 14, 2025. The milestone is a national record in public welfare transport and goes on to prove the government's firm commitment towards women empowerment.

The scheme has given free travel through buses to crores of women, bettering their economic, educational, professional, and healthcare opportunities greatly. Till date, the cumulative worth of free bus tickets distributed under the scheme is ₹12,669 crore.

To mark the occasion, a commemorative 500th crore ticket was handed over to a female commuter at a special function in Bengaluru. There were also festivities at major bus stops in taluks and districts, including bus pujas, sweet distributions, and offering roses to women passengers.

The Shakti Scheme is for the privilege of free journey for all resident women of Karnataka, including students and gender minorities, on city, ordinary, and express services of KSRTC and other state transport corporations. For providing support to the enhanced demand, the government has sanctioned 5,800 new buses, out of which 5,049 are already put into service, as well as the sanction to induct 9,000 staff.

The program has also encouraged community organizations such as the Odal Dhwani Women's Collective (Vijayapura), which celebrated their achievement by serving self-made organic produce like rotis and holiges to the Chief Minister, Deputy CM, and Transport Minister.

As a part of the celebration, 30 women, including senior citizens, gender minorities, and students, were awarded Ilkal sarees, and the 500th crore ride recipient was also honored by the Chief Minister with a shawl, garland, and memory gift.

Shakti Scheme is a progressive, ambitious, and inclusive initiative that aims to improve mobility, safety, and dignity of women and make Karnataka a role model for forward-looking public transport policies. Within two years, the state transport corporations have won 185 national and international awards in appreciation of this achievement.