Karnataka’s Shakti scheme enters Golden Book of World Records for 500 crore free rides

Karnataka’s Shakti scheme, offering free bus travel for women, has entered the Golden Book of World Records after recording over 500 crore journeys. Officials said the initiative has boosted women’s mobility, economic participation, and significantly increased daily ridership across the state

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government’s flagship Shakti scheme, which offers free bus travel for women, has achieved a historic milestone by entering the Golden Book of World Records for crossing 500 crore free journeys.

According to official data, between June 11, 2023, and July 25, 2025, women commuters availed 5,04,94,76,416 tickets under the scheme. The rides were facilitated through the state’s four transport corporations, KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC.

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Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy hailed the achievement as a proud moment for Karnataka, crediting the success to the coordinated efforts of staff and officers. “This recognition is not just about free travel, but about changing lives. The scheme has empowered lakhs of women by making mobility accessible and affordable,” he said.

A study titled Beyond Free Rides, conducted by the Sustainable Mobility Network, assessed the scheme’s social impact in ten Indian cities. In Bengaluru, women’s use of public buses rose by 23%, while Hubballi-Dharwad saw a 21% increase. The study also found that improved mobility boosted women’s economic participation and contributed to higher per capita income in Karnataka.

Since its launch on June 11, 2023, the Shakti scheme has seen consistent ridership growth. By July 14, 2025, the breakup stood at: BMTC — 157.33 crore rides, KSRTC — 151 crore, NWKRTC — 117 crore, and KKRTC — 72 crore. On average, more than 80 lakh women commute daily under the scheme.