Mon Jul 14 12:39:47 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article:

**Summary:**

The Karnataka government’s “Shakti” scheme, which provides free bus travel for women, has reached a milestone of 500 crore (5 billion) women passengers. Celebrations were held across the state, particularly in Mysuru district, where significant usage and revenue generation under the scheme were reported. The scheme has cost the government ₹16,662 crore and has seen increasing adoption by women since its launch in June 2023. Mysuru district alone has witnessed 31 crore women passengers taking advantage of the free travel initiative.

**News Article:**

**Karnataka’s Free Bus Scheme for Women Reaches 5 Billion Passenger Milestone**

**MYSURU, July 14, 2025** – The Karnataka government’s flagship “Shakti” scheme, offering free bus travel to women across the state, has achieved a significant milestone: transporting 500 crore (5 billion) women passengers. Celebrations were held today across Karnataka, with the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) organizing a special event in Mysuru to commemorate the occasion.

Pushpa Amarnath, Vice-Chairperson of the State Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee, distributed symbolic “zero tickets” to women at the Mysuru sub-urban bus stand to mark the achievement. “The success of the Shakti scheme is being celebrated across the State. Some buses in districts and taluks have been specially decorated, and sweets were distributed to women passengers to celebrate the success of the scheme,” she said.

Since its launch in June 2023, the Shakti scheme has seen increasing adoption, with 66.51% of total passengers now being women utilizing the free travel initiative. The government has invested approximately ₹16,662 crore in the program.

Mysuru district has been a major beneficiary, with 31.04 crore women passengers out of a total of 46.67 crore travellers between June 2023 and June 2025. The KSRTC has earned ₹776.48 crore from transporting women under the Shakti scheme in the same period. Data indicates a growing trend, with the percentage of women Shakti travellers in Mysuru district increasing from 58.79% in 2023 to 74.36% so far in 2025.

The KSRTC’s Mysuru division operates 1,308 buses, serving both rural and urban areas. KSRTC Divisional Controller Srinivas and other officials were present at the Mysuru event.

The Shakti scheme represents a significant investment in women’s empowerment and accessible transportation across Karnataka.

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