July 28, 2025 — The Karnataka government’s flagship Shakti Yojana, which offers free bus travel to women across the state, has significantly boosted female employment in Bengaluru, with a 23% increase in women’s workforce participation, according to a recent state-backed survey.
Launched on June 11, 2023, the Shakti scheme provides free travel for Karnataka-domiciled women in state-run buses operated by KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC. Since its rollout, the scheme has recorded over 500 crore free rides, with daily ridership rising from 85.8 lakh to 1.17 crore in just two years, government data shows.
A 2024 survey conducted by the Fiscal Policy Institute, JustJobs Network, and M2M Media Network found that female labor force participation in Karnataka grew from 25.3% to 30.2%, and the female worker participation rate increased from 27.6% to 28.8%. The survey was based on responses from over 11,000 women across 112 constituencies.
Experts say this sharp increase is largely due to improved mobility and reduced travel costs, especially for women from low-income backgrounds. More than 55% of respondents said they shifted from private vehicles to public buses, while 57% reported using savings for essential household needs or starting small businesses.
“The scheme has not just saved money—it’s helped me get a job in Whitefield I couldn’t afford to travel to before,” said Lakshmi R., a garment worker in east Bengaluru. Similar stories have emerged across the city, with more women now accessing jobs in manufacturing, retail, and healthcare sectors.
Officials have also noted indirect economic benefits. With more women commuting, male ridership has also increased, particularly among those accompanying women family members. Despite the free travel, the state’s transport corporations have seen a rise in revenue from this shift in usage patterns.
However, challenges remain. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) recently reported a loss of ₹295 crore over a three-month period, raising concerns about the scheme’s long-term financial viability. Some critics argue that the scheme, while socially progressive, needs fiscal restructuring and better fleet management.
“There is currently no proposal to withdraw or amend the scheme,” said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, reiterating his government’s commitment to Shakti. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy announced plans to induct over 5,800 new buses and recruit 10,000 additional staff to manage the rising demand.
Urban planners and gender policy analysts have praised Shakti Yojana as a milestone in women empowerment through transport access, calling it a replicable model for other Indian states.
With a steady rise in ridership and female workforce integration, Karnataka’s free bus travel scheme continues to serve as a powerful tool in reshaping public transport and economic equity for women across urban centers like Bengaluru.
