Bengaluru, August 18, 2025 – The Karnataka government’s flagship Shakti Scheme, which provides free bus travel for women, has secured a prestigious entry in the Golden Book of World Records for enabling 5,04,94,76,416 (over 500 crore) women passengers to travel between June 11, 2023, and July 25, 2025. Transport and Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy described the achievement as a moment of immense pride and joy, attributing it to the collective efforts of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC).

In a press statement, Reddy highlighted the scheme’s role in empowering women socially, educationally, economically, and professionally, aligning with the vision of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. He dedicated the milestone to the transport corporations’ staff, management, and labor leaders, acknowledging their dedication and honest service. The minister also thanked the media for their support and constructive suggestions since the scheme’s inception.

The Shakti Scheme faced significant challenges at its launch, with transport corporations grappling with outdated fleets, no new recruitments, and financial burdens. Despite these hurdles, Reddy noted that the government added 5,800 new buses, recruited 10,000 staff, and provided ₹2,000 crore to clear debts, leading to increased ridership and transformative changes in the transport sector.

A study by the Sustainable Mobility Network, titled Beyond Free Rides, conducted across 10 Indian cities, revealed that the scheme increased women’s workforce participation by 23% in Bengaluru and 21% in Hubballi-Dharwad, contributing to a rise in per capita income. The initiative has also inspired other states to adopt similar programs under different names, underscoring its national impact.

Reddy emphasized that while challenges like fleet shortages and connectivity issues in rural areas persist, the government remains committed to addressing them. The scheme’s success has earned Karnataka’s transport corporations 185 national and international awards, solidifying its status as a model for gender-inclusive public transport.