Pramesh S Jain
The ambitious flagship programme of the Government of Karnataka,and a bold initiative towards women’s empowerment,the Shakti Scheme has been recognized in the Golden Book of World Records for the highest number of women passengers tickets (from June 11, 2023 – July 20, 2025).
A total of 5 billion,49 million,476 thousand,416 women passengers—that is 500+crore women ticket journeys—have earned a place in the world record.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister & KPCC President D.K.Shivakumar strongly believed that the Shakti Scheme would empower women socially, educationally, economically,and industrially.
This historic achievement is dedicated to the Management Boards of KSRTC,BMTC,NWKRTC,and KKRTC,Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of the Transport Corporations,the Secretary of the Transport Department, the Managing Directors,officers and the entire staff of the transport undertakings.
The tireless efforts,dedication,and sincere service of all the employees are unparalleled and praiseworthy.The cooperation of labour union leaders too deserves heartfelt thanks.
I also extend my gratitude to the media,who have consistently supported,encouraged,and constructively advised us since the inception of the Shakti Scheme.
When I assumed the office as Transport Minister for the second time,it was critical time that I implemented the Shakti Scheme—the first-ever guarantee scheme in the country.
At that time, transport corporations had not added new buses for nearly five years, no new recruitment had taken place,and the corporations were under heavy debt. In such a challenging situation,working together as one team and successfully leading the Shakti Scheme has given me immense personal satisfaction.
In the two years of the Shakti Scheme’s journey, there have been transformative changes: adding of 5,800 new buses, 10,000 new recruitments, government assistance of ₹2,000 crore to clear debts,and a significant increase in ridership across the transport corporations.
Though there are many challenges in the sector, I have made sincere efforts to resolve them and continue to do so.
According to a study titled “Beyond Free Rides” conducted by the Sustainable Mobility Network on free bus travel for women in 10 cities across India,women’s employment increased by 23% in Bengaluru and 21% in Hubballi-Dharwad owing to the Shakti Scheme.This has directly contributed to the rise in the state’s per capita income.
It is a moment of pride and honour for everyone associated with the Shakti Scheme to have achieved world record recognition.
The fact that several other states in the country are now implementing similar schemes—under different names and with suitable adaptations—stands as a testament to the success of our government’s Shakti Scheme.
