Karnataka: Women to travel free in government buses; CM launches 'Shakti' scheme

The free bus travel to women across the state was one of the five guarantees of the Congress party before the election in Karnataka.

Bengaluru (Karnataka): Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday launched the 'Shakti scheme', which provides free rides for women and girl students of the state in government buses. The CM in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, launched the scheme from the grand steps of 'Vidhana Soudha', the seat of power in the state.

On the occasion, the logo of the 'Shakti scheme' was also unveiled, and 'Shakti' smart cards were symbolically distributed to five women. The scheme is available for women, who are domiciled in Karnataka and they can apply for the 'Shakti' smart card by registering on the 'Seva Sindhu' government portal. Ahead of the recently-held Assembly elections in Karnataka, the Congress had announced that it would implement five guarantees after coming to power.

Among the five guarantees, one was free travel in transport buses for all women. According to officials, this free travel service will benefit over 41.8 lakh women passengers every day and would cost the state exchequer an estimated Rs 4,051.56 crore annually. Siddaramaih has directed all district in-charge ministers to launch the scheme in their respective districts and the legislators to launch it in their constituencies.

Ramalinga Reddy said that the state government will increase buses where there is a shortage. "Three months will be there to apply for the smart cards. Smart cards will not breach any privacy. Ease of travel for women is the priority of this government," added the Transport minister.

Speaking at the launch function, Siddaramaiah took a dig at the previous BJP government, saying they did not want women to come out of the house. "Earlier 30% of women used to travel in buses, which came down to 24% during the BJP government. They didn't want women to come out of the house," the CM said.

Officials also said women can avail of this facility in city transport, ordinary and express buses in all four state-owned Road Transport Corporations - 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). Officials said that until smart cards are issued the facility can be availed by producing a valid photo identity card.