Bengaluru : Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, D K Shivakumar, announced that the state government is reviewing the Shakti scheme after receiving feedback from women passengers expressing their willingness to pay for bus fares. The scheme, launched in June 2023, provides free bus rides for women across Karnataka in non-luxury buses and is one of five guarantees offered by the Congress government.
During the flagging-off ceremony of new Airavata club class 2.0 buses of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Shivakumar noted, “Many women have been communicating through social media and emails that they would like to contribute to their fares.” According to him, about 5 to 10 percent of women have even offered payment directly to conductors, who declined to accept it under the free-ride policy.
Since its inception, the Shakti scheme has provided 311.07 crore free rides to women, costing the state Rs 7,507.35 crore as of mid-October. The Deputy CM stated that a meeting with Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy will be convened to discuss potential adjustments to the scheme based on commuter feedback.
Shivakumar commended the KSRTC for its national and international recognition, which includes 112 awards within the last year alone. Highlighting the organization’s growth, he recalled its humble beginnings with 120 buses and its current fleet of 24,282. Under the current government, plans were made to add 6,200 more buses, 3,400 of which have already been acquired, alongside recruitment of 9,000 new drivers and conductors.
Compensation for employees affected by accidents has also been enhanced, with families receiving Rs 1 crore for fatal incidents. KSRTC’s commitment to public service was reiterated by Shivakumar, who mentioned ongoing discussions with private suppliers to provide fuel at rates below market prices to support operational efficiency.
