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Key Points

The Karnataka government's Shakti scheme has made international headlines by securing a spot in the International Book of Records. Launched on June 11, 2023, the initiative provides free bus travel for women across the state's transportation corporations. By July 16, 2025, the scheme had issued an impressive 500 crore free tickets, demonstrating its significant impact on women's mobility and empowerment. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy celebrated the achievement as a testament to the program's success and potential for broader implementation.

Key Points: Karnataka Shakti Scheme Enters International Book of Records

  • Karnataka launches world-recognized free bus travel scheme for women
  • Shakti initiative achieves International Book of Records milestone
  • Over 500 crore free tickets issued to women passengers
  • Scheme promotes women's economic and social empowerment
2 min read

Karnataka: Shakti free travel scheme goes into International Book of Records

Karnataka's groundbreaking free women's bus travel scheme achieves global recognition with 500 crore tickets issued under Shakti initiative

"The 'Shakti' scheme has empowered women economically, socially, and professionally - Ramalinga Reddy, Transport Minister"

Bengaluru, Oct 1

The ambitious 'Shakti' free travel scheme for women launched by the Congress-led Karnataka government has now been recognised with the International Book of Records – World Record of Excellence, stated the official release by the Karnataka State Road Transportation Corporation (KSRTC) on Wednesday.

"The Karnataka Government's ambitious women empowerment initiative 'Shakti' scheme, which provides free bus travel for women, has achieved yet another global milestone. With over 500 crore free tickets issued to women, the scheme has now been recognised with the International Book of Records - World Record of Excellence," the statement said.

The 'Shakti' scheme had already been listed in the Golden Book of World Records, according to the statement.

Ramalinga Reddy, Minister for Transport and Muzrai, has extended his heartfelt gratitude to all the officers, employees, and labour union leaders of the four State Road Transport Corporations for their contribution to this achievement.

"The 'Shakti' scheme has empowered women in the state economically, socially, and professionally. Its implementation across different states of India stands as a testimony to its success," Minister Reddy stated.

Minister Reddy further expressed pride that the scheme has now added another world record to its credit and also extended congratulations to all women passengers.

The certificate of International Book of Records, World Records of Excellence states that KSRTC, Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWRTC), Kalyan Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC), Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy and government of Karnataka are record holders.

The certificate further mentioned, "The world record of highest number of bus rides women availed via the free travel scheme in Karnataka (mass) was achieved by KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, KKRTC, Minister Ramalinga Reddy, government of Karnataka on July 16, 2025 from Bengaluru (Karnataka) India. 500 crore bus rides availed by women under the Shakti scheme, launched by the Karnataka government on June 11, 2023, to promote women's empowerment, as of records up to July 16, 2025."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the scheme is good for women empowerment, I hope the government also focuses on improving bus infrastructure and frequency. Sometimes buses are too crowded now.
A
Ananya R
My mother can now visit relatives in Mysore without worrying about travel costs. This scheme has brought so much independence to women across Karnataka. Proud moment for our state! 🇮🇳
M
Michael C
Visiting Karnataka last month, I saw firsthand how this scheme is transforming women's mobility. Impressive achievement and well-deserved recognition!
S
Siddharth J
500 crore tickets! That's mind-boggling. Shows how much this was needed. Hope other states implement similar schemes. Karnataka leading the way in women empowerment.
K
Kavya N
As a college student, this scheme has been a blessing. I can attend classes regularly without financial burden on my family. Thank you Karnataka government! 🙏
V
Vikram M
Great achievement but I'm concerned about the financial impact on transport corporations. Hope the government is compensating them adequately for this massive scheme.

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