The Karnataka Government’s Shakti Yojana is one of the most transformative public welfare schemes launched in recent times, aiming to empower women by providing free bus travel. Introduced in June 2023, this scheme has seen immense popularity and widespread usage, particularly among economically disadvantaged and working-class women.
As of 2025, the scheme continues to play a vital role in public transportation across Karnataka, albeit facing financial and logistical challenges. This article provides the latest updates, usage data, budget information, and future plans regarding this major initiative.
What is the Shakti Scheme?
The Shakti Yojana allows women who are domiciled in Karnataka to travel free of cost on state-run non-luxury buses. These include services operated by:
- Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC)
- Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC)
- North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC)
- Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC)
Free travel is permitted within the state boundaries, and luxury and interstate buses are excluded from the scheme.
How to Avail the Free Bus Service?
- Initial Phase (June 2023):
- Women could show their Aadhaar card, voter ID, or any valid government photo ID to get a zero-fare ticket.
- Smart Card Phase (2024 onwards):
- A Shakti Smart Card is being issued through the Seva Sindhu portal.
- Eligible women are encouraged to apply for this card online.
- Until card issuance is complete, valid government ID proof can still be used.
Usage Statistics (As of 2025)
- Total Trips Made (till Feb 2025): Over 398 crore free journeys.
- Total Reimbursement Value: Approx. ₹9,803 crore worth of free tickets issued.
- Monthly Usage: Around 20 crore trips per month.
- Special Occasions: During events like Maha Shivaratri, pilgrim footfall has doubled in districts like Chamarajanagar, with over 7.2 lakh pilgrims visiting in free buses.
Financial Impact & Budget Allocation
Current Status:
- Pending Dues: The Karnataka Government owes about ₹2,000 crore to transport corporations as of early 2025.
- Total Scheme Cost So Far: Nearly ₹9,743 crore spent since inception.
2025-26 Budget:
- Budgeted Amount: ₹5,300 crore allocated specifically for the Shakti Scheme in FY 2025–26.
- Previous Year’s Allocation: ₹5,015 crore in FY 2024–25.
Challenges Faced
- Overcrowding & Increased Demand:
- Due to massive popularity, buses are overcrowded during peak hours.
- RTCs have requested the addition of 1,800 ordinary buses to meet demand.
- Smart Card Delays:
- Many women are yet to receive their Shakti cards.
- The government is gradually processing these applications via Seva Sindhu.
- Financial Pressure on RTCs:
- RTCs are struggling with cash flow issues due to delayed government reimbursements.
- Some corporations are exploring options like raising regular fares, taking loans, and cutting costs.
Benefits of the Shakti Scheme
- Women Empowerment: Encourages more women to travel for work, education, and healthcare.
- Savings: Low-income households save significantly on daily commuting costs.
- Environmental Impact: Promotes the use of public transport, reducing the number of private vehicles.
- Rural Mobility: Enhances mobility for women in rural and semi-urban areas.
Public Feedback
The scheme has received widespread praise from citizens and women’s rights groups. It has led to increased attendance in colleges, easier access to hospitals, and improved economic opportunities for women.
However, concerns remain about:
- Bus shortages during busy hours.
- Safety during late-night travel.
- Need for more routes and frequency in rural areas.
Future Outlook
The government is likely to:
- Speed up smart card issuance.
- Purchase more buses to handle the rising demand.
- Consider extending benefits to transpersons and differently-abled persons.
As Karnataka continues to prioritize social welfare through this scheme, it could also serve as a model for other states across India.
Conclusion
The Karnataka Government’s Shakti Scheme stands as a landmark step towards gender equality and public transport accessibility. Despite financial and infrastructural challenges, the scheme has proven to be a game-changer for women across the state. With better planning, timely reimbursements, and infrastructure upgrades, the free bus travel initiative can continue to empower millions and improve the public transport system across Karnataka.
