The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has achieved a milestone. It has entered the Golden Book of World Records for the ‘most women passengers travelled in state transport buses’ after recording over 500 crore journeys. The record was made under the Shakti Scheme. It is a government scheme to offer free bus services to women.
KSRTC Makes It To Golden Book Of World Records
ಇಡೀ ನಾಡು ಹೆಮ್ಮೆ ಪಡುವ ಕ್ಷಣವಿದು. ನಮ್ಮ ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ಮಹತ್ವಾಕಾಂಕ್ಷೆಯ ಶಕ್ತಿ ಯೋಜನೆಯು ಪ್ರತಿಷ್ಠಿತ “Golden Book of World Records” ನಲ್ಲಿ ದಾಖಲಾಗಿ ಇತಿಹಾಸ ನಿರ್ಮಿಸಿದೆ.
ಮಹಿಳಾ ಸಬಲೀಕರಣದೆಡೆಗಿನ ದಿಟ್ಟ ಹೆಜ್ಜೆಯಾದ ಶಕ್ತಿ ಯೋಜನೆಯು ಚಾಲನೆಗೊಂಡ ದಿನದಿಂದ ಅಂದರೆ ಜೂನ್ 11, 2023 ರಿಂದ ಜುಲೈ 25, 2025 ರ ಅವಧಿಯಲ್ಲಿ 504 ಕೋಟಿ… pic.twitter.com/CHAtAlGbt4
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) August 18, 2025
KSRTC entering the Golden Book of World Records is big news! As per a report by The New Indian Express, between June 11, 2023, and July 2025, around 504 crore women travelled across the state’s four transport corporations: Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC), apart from KSRTC itself. The achievement was also announced on X by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
These services, which offer free bus travel under the Shakti Scheme, were introduced under Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy’s leadership. The initiative was launched to empower women by enhancing mobility solutions. The scheme has now reached a historic milestone by crossing 500 crore free journeys. The minister announced the achievement on Monday.
Also Read: KSRTC To Soon Launch Mangalore-Udupi Electric Bus Route; Will Accommodate 70 People
A Step Towards Women’s Empowerment
According to TNIE, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy called the achievement a proud moment for Karnataka. He added that the scheme is not only about free travel but also about changing lives by empowering lakhs of women and making mobility both accessible and affordable. He dedicated it to the board of directors of the transport corporations, their presidents, vice presidents, managing directors, officers, staff, and labour leaders.
A study titled Beyond Free Rides, conducted by the Sustainable Mobility Network, assessed the social impact of the scheme in 10 Indian cities. In Bengaluru, the use of public buses by women rose by 23%, while in Hubballi-Dharwad, it increased by 21%. The study also found that improved mobility not only made it easier for women to travel but also boosted their economic participation. Moreover, it contributed to higher per capita income in Karnataka.
As per a report by Telangana Today, since its launch on June 11, 2023, the Shakti Scheme has seen consistent ridership growth. By July 14, 2025, the record numbers were:
- BMTC- 157.33 crore rides
- KSRTC – 151 crore rides
- NWKRTC- 117 crore rides
- KKRTC- 72 crore rides
On average, more than 80 lakh women commute daily under the Shakti Scheme.
Also Read: KSRTC Launches New Double-Decker Buses For Tourists With A 360-Degree Panoramic View In Munnar
This milestone is indeed remarkable. Entering the Golden Book of World Records has been made possible by the consistent efforts of the Karnataka government and its transport corporations.
Cover Image Courtesy: Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, Wikipedia and @CMofKarnataka
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