The Karnataka transport department to implement the Shakti scheme to provide free government bus rides to women

The Shakti initiative, which gives women free rides on public transport, was put into effect by an order from the Karnataka transport department. The programme, which will go into effect on June 11, also allows transgender people to ride for free on buses operated by the four state-owned transportation companies, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC).

According to the plan, all seats in three transport companies—aside from the BMTC—will be allocated for males to the extent of 50%. The programme is restricted to travel only inside the state of Karnataka and does not apply to A/C or luxury buses. The free bus service programme for women does not apply to bus types including Sleeper, Vajra, Vayuvajra, Airavat, Airavat Club Class, Airavat Gold Class, Ambari, Ambari Utsav, Rajahamsa, and EV Power Plus.

The government would cover the expenses paid by the transport agencies under the programme. According to the actual distance travelled by female passengers, road transport companies would be reimbursed.

The government has also said that after accepting and vetting applications for the programme through the Seva Sindu site, Shakti Smart cards will be distributed within three months. When women present official identification evidence, the transport firms will give them zero-sum tickets until the smart cards are released.

94% of buses operated by the four road transport companies (RTCs) are covered by the plan, according to transport officials. According to a study the transport department gave to the state government, the RTCs will need to spend more than Rs 4,220 crore yearly to implement the programme. To carry out the plan, the four RTCs must hire 13,793 people and induct 4,028 additional buses. One of the five electoral pledges of the in power Congress is the fulfilment of the "Shakti Yojane."