The Karnataka Government’s Shakti Yojana, launched in June 2023, has emerged as one of the most impactful welfare initiatives in recent years. Designed to empower women and improve access to public transport, the scheme offers free bus travel across the state. Two years since its launch, Shakti Yojana continues to witness massive usage and popularity, particularly among economically disadvantaged and working-class women. However, it also faces significant financial and logistical challenges as it evolves.
This article explores the latest updates, usage statistics, budget details, and future plans for this flagship initiative.
What is the Shakti Scheme?
The Shakti Yojana enables Karnataka-domiciled women to travel free of cost on state-run non-luxury buses. The scheme covers 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 allowed within Karnataka, but luxury buses and interstate services are excluded.
How to Avail the Free Bus Service
✅ Initial Phase (June 2023): Women could avail zero-fare tickets by showing a valid government photo ID (Aadhaar, voter ID, etc.).
✅ Smart Card Phase (2024 onwards):
The government began issuing Shakti Smart Cards via the Seva Sindhu portal. Women are encouraged to apply online. Until card distribution is completed, valid ID proof can still be used for free travel.
Usage Statistics (As of 2025)
- Total Free Trips (till Feb 2025): Over 398 crore journeys completed.
- Reimbursement Value: Approximately ₹9,803 crore worth of free tickets issued.
- Monthly Usage: Around 20 crore trips per month.
- Special Occasions: Festivals like Maha Shivaratri saw pilgrim footfall double in districts like Chamarajanagar, with 7.2 lakh pilgrims using free bus services.
Financial Impact & Budget Allocation
💰 Current Status:
- Pending Dues: The government owes ₹2,000 crore to transport corporations (as of early 2025).
- Total Scheme Cost (since launch): Nearly ₹9,743 crore spent.
📊 Budget Details:
- 2025–26 Allocation: ₹5,300 crore earmarked for Shakti Yojana.
- 2024–25 Allocation: ₹5,015 crore.
Key Challenges
- Overcrowding & Demand Spike: Overwhelming popularity has led to packed buses, especially during peak hours. RTCs have requested 1,800 additional ordinary buses.
- Smart Card Delays: Many women are still waiting for their Shakti cards as applications are gradually processed.
- Financial Strain on RTCs: With delayed reimbursements, corporations face cash flow issues and are considering options like fare hikes, loans, and cost-cutting measures.
Benefits of the Shakti Scheme
🌸 Women Empowerment: Boosts access to education, work, and healthcare.
💵 Household Savings: Low-income families save significantly on commuting expenses.
🌱 Environmental Impact: Encourages public transport use, reducing private vehicle dependency.
🏞️ Rural Connectivity: Improves mobility for women in rural and semi-urban regions.
Public Feedback
The scheme has garnered widespread praise from citizens and advocacy groups. Women report greater ease in attending college, accessing hospitals, and seeking economic opportunities.
However, concerns remain about:
- Bus shortages during rush hours.
- Safety issues, particularly for late-night travel.
- Insufficient frequency of buses on rural routes.
Future Outlook
The Karnataka government plans to:
✅ Accelerate smart card distribution.
✅ Procure more buses to manage rising demand.
✅ Consider extending benefits to transpersons and differently-abled individuals.
With strategic improvements in planning, funding, and infrastructure, the Shakti Scheme is poised to remain a model for gender-inclusive transport policies in India.
Conclusion
The Shakti Yojana stands as a landmark initiative for gender equality and accessible public transport in Karnataka. Despite facing financial and logistical hurdles, it has transformed the lives of millions of women across the state. With continued government support and timely upgrades, this scheme can serve as an inspiration for similar initiatives nationwide.
