The Shakti Scheme Karnataka is an initiative by the state government to enable free bus travel for women across Karnataka. Started on June 23, 2023, under the Congress government, this scheme allows all women residents of Karnataka to travel in local buses without buying a ticket. In the election campaign, this was one of the promises the government made to women to make their travel easier, safer, and cheaper.
No Proposal to Review or Revisit Shakti Scheme
The Karnataka government announced that there is no plan to modify or terminate the Shakti Scheme. The chief minister, Siddaramaiah, even confirmed that the scheme will continue as it is. As per the latest report, according to the data shared by the Transport Department, between June 11, 2023, and June 10, 2025, the four corporations recorded a total of 801.54 crore passenger journeys. Of these, 474.82 crore women passengers were traveling under the Shakti Yojana.
Note: The number of free rides taken under this scheme has now crossed 474.82 crore, which is equivalent to the value of about ₹11,994 crore.
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The Objective of the Shakti Scheme Karnataka
The main aim of the Shakti Scheme is to allow the empowerment of women by giving them freedom of movement. It aids women in being more self-reliant by giving them free travel for work, study, or any personal affairs. This also promotes the social and economic condition of women, especially those from poor backgrounds.
Silent Features of Shakti Scheme Karnataka
- Free Travel: All women in Karnataka can travel for free in government-run local buses.
- No Restrictions: There is no age or income limit. Every woman who lives in Karnataka is eligible.
- Massive Savings: So far, women have saved around ₹11,944 crore on tickets.
- Part of Guarantee Schemes: It is one of the five major schemes promised by the Congress party before the elections.
- Huge Usage: Over 474.82 crore free rides have been taken by women under this scheme.
- High Number of Beneficiaries: Around 10 crore women have benefited so far.
- More Buses Added: Seeing the huge demand, the government has added 5,676 new buses.
- No Need to Apply: There is no separate application process. Every woman in Karnataka can directly use the service.
- Empowering Women: The scheme supports women in becoming financially and socially stronger.
- Bus Corporations Involved: The scheme is active in KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC buses.
Eligibility Criteria
All women citizens of Karnataka are eligible to use this scheme.
- Must be a resident of Karnataka.
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Required Documents
- An Aadhaar card is needed to show identity and address.
Benefits of Shakti Scheme Karnataka
- Free and safe travel for all women in government-run buses.
- Helps reduce travel expenses for working women and students.
- Increases independence and mobility for women across the state.
- Boosts confidence in women by giving them freedom to travel alone.
- Helpful for women from low-income families, improving their quality of life.
- Makes it easier for women to access education, jobs, and healthcare.
How to Get Free Bus Travel Under Shakti Scheme
No application is necessary. Women just have to show their Aadhaar card or a valid ID to prove that they are from Karnataka and then board the bus. The actual ticket system does not work here in this case. No ticket is required. Just get in and travel for free in eligible buses.
FAQs
Which state launched the Shakti Scheme Karnataka 2025?
The scheme was launched by the Karnataka state government.
Who is eligible for the Shakti Scheme in Karnataka?
All women residents of Karnataka are eligible to travel for free under this scheme.
When was the scheme first launched?
The scheme was launched on 23rd June 2023.