The scheme has empowered women economically, socially, and professionally, and its adoption by other states highlights its importance.
Published Oct 03, 2025 | 6:53 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 03, 2025 | 6:53 PM
The Shakti Scheme, launched on 11 June 2023, allows women and transgenders to travel free of cost on state-run, non-luxury buses within Karnataka. (Hayathkhan.h/Wikimedia Commons)
Synopsis: Launched in 2023, over 500 crore free tickets have been issued under the scheme so far. A recent independent study on the impact of the Congress’s five guarantees found that an average of 19 percent of lower-income women across the state reported getting a new job or switching to a better-paying job due to zero-ticket travel.
The Karnataka government’s Shakti scheme, which offers women free travel in state-run non-premium buses, has added another feather to its cap by entering the International Book of Records – World Record of Excellence.
The feat follows its inclusion in the Golden Book of World Records in August 2025 for achieving the largest number of women passengers travelling on public transport.
Launched in 2023, over 500 crore free tickets have been issued under the scheme so far. A recent independent study on the impact of the Congress’s five guarantees found that an average of 19 percent of lower-income women across the state reported getting a new job or switching to a better-paying job due to zero-ticket travel.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called scheme’s global recognition a moment of pride for all Kannadigas.
“Implemented with the aim of making the self-respecting women of the country self-reliant, Shakti is successfully fulfilling its goal. A large number of women are engaged in employment, which has enabled economic development. The credit for the success of the Shakti scheme goes to all the girls who are with us in this important step of women empowerment,” he said in a post on X.
The International Book of Records is a “global brand, with brand ambassadors on the ground around the world,” according to its website. They collate and publish notable records of all types, including first and best achievements.
Some of the other records they have recognised are youngest to recite updated periodic table in a short time, youngest to hoist the Indian national flag at the deepest underwater level using scuba diving gear (disabled person) among others.
State Congress leaders lauded the scheme’s global recognition, calling it a “celebration of the spirit and strength of our women.”
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that the scheme witnessed how dignity, mobility and new opportunities have reached millions across the state.
“This milestone shows how Karnataka has demonstrated to the world that social justice and empowerment can go hand in hand. The recognition from the International Book of Records is a celebration of the spirit and strength of our women,” he said in a post on X.
All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary and In-charge of Karnataka Congress, Randeep Singh Surjewala said that the scheme has empowered women economically, socially, and professionally, and its adoption by other states highlights its importance.
“Adding another world record to its name is indeed a matter of pride. Till 1 October, women have travelled 562 crore times under this scheme, and the Karnataka state government has spent ₹14,274.32 crore for it. This is truly commendable,” he said in a press release.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy expressed gratitude to officials, employees, and labour union leaders of the four State RTCs for their role in this achievement. He said, “The scheme has empowered women not just economically but also socially and professionally, providing them greater mobility and opportunities.”
Reddy further noted that the successful implementation of the scheme across the state highlighted its large-scale impact. “It is a matter of pride that the scheme has now another world record to its credit. I extend my congratulations to all women passengers,” he said.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
