Karnataka celebrates a milestone in mobility and empowerment as the Shakti Scheme marks 500 crore trips by women, transforming the public transport landscape and uplifting lives across the state
Bengaluru: A moment of pride, progress, and people-first governance echoed across Karnataka on July 14, 2025, as the Government of Karnataka’s flagship women empowerment initiative, the Shakti Scheme, marked a historic 500 crore journeys by women passengers.
Launched on June 11, 2023, this pathbreaking initiative offering free bus travel to women has not only become a model of inclusive governance but also etched its name in the record books of Indian public transport history.
“This isn’t just 500 crore bus rides. These are 500 crore steps towards equality, opportunity, and dignity for every woman in Karnataka,” said the Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, while addressing a large gathering at the ceremonial event in Bengaluru.
Symbolic Ticket, Real Transformation
To mark this landmark achievement, the symbolic 500th crore ticket was issued by the CM, DCM, DK Shivakumar, and Transport Minister, Ramalinga Reddy, to a woman passenger amid applause and celebration. The honoured recipient was felicitated with a shawl, floral garland, and a memento, symbolising the strength and spirit of every woman who took that empowered journey.
“Shakti is more than a scheme — it’s a social revolution on wheels,” said Siddaramaiah, highlighting how the initiative has touched the lives of students, working professionals, senior citizens, and transgender individuals across Karnataka.
Empowerment Through Mobility
By removing transportation costs, the Shakti Scheme has enhanced access to education, employment, healthcare, and social inclusion for crores of women.
Before its launch, daily bus ridership stood at 85.84 lakh. Today, that figure has surged to 1.17 crore passengers per day, reflecting the transformational impact of this initiative on women’s freedom and mobility.
“Mobility is empowerment. With Shakti, women have gained more than just bus rides; they’ve gained access, agency, and aspiration,” said the Transport Minister, Ramalinga Reddy.
So far, the cumulative ticket value issued under the scheme stands at a remarkable ₹12,669 crore.
Strengthening the Transport Backbone
To support this massive increase in demand, the Government undertook bold structural reinforcements in public transport:
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5,800 new buses approved; 5,049 already deployed
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10,000 new recruitments, including 6,700 direct and 1,000 compassionate appointments
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Bus services increased from 21,164 (pre-Shakti) to 23,635 (post-Shakti)
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Total buses increased from 23,948 to 26,130, including 2,828 replacements
“Shakti brought not only a change in ridership but a revival in recruitment, capacity, and service across all four transport corporations,” said the MD of KSRTC.
Global Recognition, Local Pride
Karnataka’s state-run transport corporations have bagged 185 national and international awards in the past two years, recognising their role in transforming public transport for the 21st century.
To celebrate the milestone, Bus Pooja Ceremonies were held at bus terminals across the state, complete with rituals, sweet distribution, and pink roses for women passengers.
A Success Story from Vijayapura: Roti to Riches
One of the standout stories highlighted during the event came from Odala Dhwani Stree Sangha in Vijayapura, whose members—empowered by the Shakti Scheme’s access to Bengaluru markets—began selling organic rotis and holiges, turning their small business into a lakhs-generating venture.
As a touching tribute, they presented these rotis to the Chief Minister and dignitaries, symbolizing how mobility fuels entrepreneurship.
Celebrating the Women of Karnataka
At the Bengaluru event, 30 inspiring women passengers, including students, transgender individuals, and senior citizens, were felicitated with Ilkal sarees, sweets, and roses, in a gesture of gratitude and recognition.
“Each of these women is a story of courage, of crossing boundaries, of reclaiming their place in society. Today, we honor them all,” said the Transport Secretary during the ceremony.
Dignitaries Present at the Ceremony
The grand event was graced by:
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Chief Minister
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Deputy Chief Minister
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Transport Minister
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Social Welfare Minister
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Large & Medium Scale Industries Minister
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Chief Secretary
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Chairperson, Karnataka Women’s Commission
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Transport Secretary, MDs of KSRTC and BMTC, among others
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