Mon Aug 18 16:07:31 UTC 2025: **Bengaluru, August 18, 2025** – Karnataka’s pioneering “Shakti” scheme, offering free bus travel to women on state-run non-premium buses, has earned a place in the Golden Book of World Records. The achievement recognizes the scheme’s remarkable impact, having facilitated travel for an unprecedented 500 crore (5 billion) women passengers between June 11, 2023, and July 25, 2025.
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy announced the milestone on Monday, highlighting the scheme’s success as a model for other states nationwide. He noted that various states are now implementing similar initiatives under different names, showcasing Shakti’s widespread influence.
The minister further elaborated on the positive ripple effects of the scheme. Over the past two years, Karnataka’s transport corporations have added 5,800 new buses and recruited 10,000 new employees. The government has also provided ₹2,000 crore in financial assistance to these corporations to manage loan repayments.
A recent report by the Sustainable Mobility Network, titled “Beyond Free Rides: A Multi-State Assessment of Women’s Bus Fare Subsidy schemes in Urban India,” has revealed significant socio-economic benefits. The report indicates a substantial 23% increase in women’s employment in Bengaluru and a 21% increase in Hubballi-Dharwad since the scheme’s implementation.
The Shakti scheme’s inclusion in the Golden Book of World Records underscores its transformative impact on women’s mobility and empowerment in Karnataka, setting a benchmark for similar initiatives across the country.
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