Shakti scheme: In 9 days, 4.24 crore women avail free bus rides in Karnataka

The scheme in the last nine days has cost the Karnataka government over Rs 100 crore.

women, karnataka, shakti scheme, bus ride, indian express

Over the course of the nine days, the average daily footfall of female passengers in buses across the four divisions was 38.60 lakh. (Representational Photo)

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In only nine days after introducing the Shakti scheme, which allows women passengers to travel for free in Karnataka’s government buses, more than 4.24 crore women availed the services and on Monday, the total ticket amount exempted under the scheme crossed Rs 100 crore.

The scheme, which was launched on June 11, witnessed a staggering 4,24,60,089 women passengers who travelled in buses operated by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC).

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On Monday, the four divisions witnessed a record-breaking influx of passengers since the launch of the scheme. A total of 60,89,910 women passengers travelled for free and tickets worth Rs 15,94,32,747 were issued.

Among the four divisions, the BMTC recorded the highest number of female passengers during the nine-day period, with 1,44,06,090 passengers. It was followed by the KSRTC with 1,23,07,847 passengers, the NWKRTC with 1,02,53,506 passengers and the KKRTC with 54,92,646 passengers.

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The value of free tickets issued by the KSRTC amounted to Rs 38.25 crore, while the BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC issued tickets worth Rs 17.61 crore, Rs 26.07 crore and Rs 18.28 crore, respectively.

Over the course of the nine days, the average daily footfall of female passengers in buses across the four divisions was 38.60 lakh.