🔹 Summary of Scheme

Karnataka’s Shakti Scheme, offering free bus travel for women and transgender persons, has entered the Golden Book of World Records after crossing 500 crore free rides in just two years since its launch on June 11, 2023. The scheme has transformed women’s mobility, with studies showing a rise in workforce participation—23% in Bengaluru and 21% in Hubballi-Dharwad. The government has added 5,800 buses, hired 10,000 staff, and cleared debts of transport corporations to sustain the program. While hailed as a model for empowerment, the opposition questions its financial sustainability.

Karnataka’s Shakti Scheme Enters Golden Book of World Records

Historic Milestone in Women’s Mobility

The Shakti Scheme, Karnataka’s flagship program providing free bus travel for women and transgender persons on state-run non-premium buses, has been recognized in the Golden Book of World Records. From its launch on June 11, 2023 until July 20, 2025, the scheme facilitated 5,049,476,416 free rides—crossing the 500-crore journey mark and setting a global benchmark for women’s mobility.

Transport and Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy described the recognition as “a moment of immense pride and joy” for Karnataka. “The Shakti Scheme has been recognized in the Golden Book of World Records for the highest number of women passengers’ tickets. This is a historic achievement dedicated to the staff and management of all four state transport corporations,” he said.

Leadership and Vision Behind the Scheme

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar have repeatedly emphasized that Shakti was designed not merely as a welfare measure but as a step toward social, educational, economic, and industrial empowerment of women.

“The scheme has shown how mobility can change lives. Women are using buses not just for work, but also to access schools, colleges, hospitals, and other opportunities that were once restricted by travel costs,” said Siddaramaiah at a recent event marking the achievement.

Transformations in the Transport Sector

Minister Reddy recalled that when he assumed office in 2023, the state’s transport corporations were under strain. “No new buses had been added for nearly five years, there was no recruitment, and the corporations were burdened with debt. In such a challenging situation, implementing the Shakti Scheme was a tough task. But working together as one team and successfully leading this initiative has given me immense satisfaction,” he said.

In two years of the scheme’s journey, the government has:

• Added 5,800 new buses to the fleet.

• Recruited 10,000 new staff members to handle rising ridership.

• Provided ₹2,000 crore in financial assistance to help transport corporations clear debts.

The corporations—KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC—have reported a significant rise in ridership, with over 1.17 crore women passengers travelling daily under the scheme.

Socio-Economic Impact

Studies show that the scheme has had a measurable impact on women’s employment. A report titled “Beyond Free Rides” conducted by the Sustainable Mobility Network across 10 Indian cities found that women’s employment increased by 23% in Bengaluru and 21% in Hubballi-Dharwad after the scheme’s implementation. Analysts note that this has directly contributed to a rise in Karnataka’s per capita income, as more women are able to participate in the workforce.

The scheme has also expanded access to education and healthcare, particularly for women from rural and low-income households. Students are now able to attend colleges and coaching centres regularly, while women in smaller towns and villages are making more frequent trips to hospitals and health centres.

Recognition and Gratitude

Minister Reddy expressed gratitude to all stakeholders: “This achievement is dedicated to the management boards, chairmen, vice-chairmen, officers, and the entire staff of the transport undertakings. The cooperation of labour union leaders has also been crucial. I also extend my thanks to the media, who have consistently supported, encouraged, and constructively advised us since the inception of the scheme.”

He also acknowledged the support of the ruling leadership, saying: “Hon’ble Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar believed from the beginning that Shakti would empower women across all spheres, and today’s recognition proves that vision right.”

Political Debate and Opposition’s Concerns

While the ruling Congress hails the scheme as a transformative social measure, the opposition BJP has raised concerns about its fiscal sustainability. The party argues that the scheme has increased the financial burden on the exchequer and contributed to overcrowding in buses. However, the government insists that it will continue all five of its guarantee schemes, including Shakti, while ensuring effective financial management.

A Model for the Nation

With its entry into the Golden Book of World Records, Karnataka’s Shakti Scheme has drawn attention across the country. Several other states have started introducing similar free-travel initiatives for women under different names, inspired by Karnataka’s model.

“This recognition is not just about Karnataka, but about the power of public transport to change society. The Shakti Scheme has become a model for the nation,” said Minister Reddy.

The Road Ahead

Despite the recognition, challenges remain. Service quality, punctuality, and long-term financial planning are key issues the government must address as demand for free travel continues to grow. Nevertheless, the Shakti Scheme has already demonstrated how free mobility can unlock opportunities for millions of women, reshaping education, employment, and access to healthcare.

For now, Karnataka stands at the forefront of a global experiment—proving that when mobility is free, women move forward, and society progresses with them.

🔹 Context & Background

• Launch Date: June 11, 2023

• Purpose: Free bus travel for women and transgender persons on state-run non-premium buses.

• Milestone: Over 504 crore rides (June 2023 – July 2025).

• Impact: Boosted women’s workforce participation, improved access to education and healthcare.

• Implementation: 5,800 new buses added, 10,000 staff recruited, ₹2,000 crore assistance to clear debts.

• Recognition: Entered the Golden Book of World Records for highest number of free rides.

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🔹 Key Statements & Quotes

Ramalinga Reddy, Transport Minister:

• “The Shakti Scheme’s entry into the Golden Book of World Records is a moment of immense pride and joy.”

• “This achievement belongs to the staff, officers, and management of all transport corporations who worked tirelessly to make it successful.”

• “Women’s employment has risen significantly because of this scheme, and its impact on education and healthcare access is equally transformative.”

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah:

• “Shakti is not just a welfare scheme; it is a step toward empowering women socially, educationally, and economically.”

Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar:

• “The success of Shakti proves that mobility is central to empowerment. Karnataka has shown the way for the nation.”

Opposition BJP (paraphrased):

• “Guarantees like Shakti are financially unsustainable and burden the exchequer, leading to service overcrowding and poor quality.”

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🔹 Sample Q & A

Q: What is the Shakti Scheme?
A: A flagship guarantee of the Karnataka government that offers free bus travel for women and transgender persons on state-run non-premium buses.

Q: How many rides have been taken under the scheme so far?
A: Over 500 crore free journeys between June 2023 and July 2025.

Q: How has it impacted society?
A: Women’s workforce participation has risen by over 20% in major cities, with better access to colleges and hospitals.

Q: How is the government supporting transport corporations?
A: By adding 5,800 buses, hiring 10,000 staff, and providing ₹2,000 crore financial aid.

Q: What is the opposition’s view?
A: The BJP argues the scheme is fiscally unsustainable and strains transport infrastructure.

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