The Karnataka government’s landmark women empowerment program, the Shakti Scheme, has earned dual international recognition, securing entries in the World Record of Excellence Awards.
The scheme has been officially recognized for a new world record following the staggering milestone of facilitating over 500 crore free journeys for women across the state.
Minister Ramalinga Reddy extended his gratitude to the officials, staff, and workers of the state’s four transport corporations, along with the millions of women commuters whose participation made the achievement possible.
The Shakti Scheme, launched on June 11, 2023, by the Siddaramaiah-led government, provides free travel for women residents of Karnataka on all non-premium, intra-state buses operated by the state’s four transport corporations:
- KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation)
- BMTC (Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation)
- NWKRTC (North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation)
- KKRTC (Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation)
According to a KSRTC media release, the scheme’s rapid adoption and massive scale—surpassing half a billion free trips in just over a year—underscores its significant impact on enhancing women’s mobility, financial independence, and empowerment across the state. The record cements the scheme’s status as one of the largest free public transport initiatives globally.
