Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Aug 19: Karnataka’s flagship Shakti Scheme, which provides free bus travel for women across the state, has earned a coveted place in the Golden Book of World Records for facilitating over 500 crore free rides.

The scheme, one of the five guarantee initiatives of the Karnataka government, was launched on June 11, 2023. Between that date and July 25, 2025, a staggering 5,04,94,76,416 women passengers availed free tickets and travelled across all four state-run road transport corporations. This historic milestone secured the scheme’s entry into the Golden Book of World Records.

Calling it a moment of great pride and joy, Karnataka’s Minister for Transport and Muzrai, Ramalinga Reddy, said, “Shakti is a bold and ambitious initiative for women’s empowerment. Its recognition by the Golden Book of World Records is a proud achievement for Karnataka.”

The minister also shared findings from a recent study conducted by the Sustainable Mobility Network under the title ‘Beyond Free Rides’, which evaluated women’s free bus travel across 10 Indian cities.

The study revealed that in Bengaluru, 23% more women employees were using government buses due to the scheme, while Hubballi–Dharwad recorded a 21% increase in women commuters.

The Shakti Scheme continues to be celebrated not only for easing transport access but also for significantly contributing to women’s economic mobility and empowerment.