Andhra Pradesh delegation to visit Karnataka to study Shakti scheme

A delegation from Andhra Pradesh, comprising Ministers and officials, is set to visit Karnataka to examine the successful implementation of the Shakti scheme, which provides free bus travel for women on non-premium State-run buses. The Andhra Pradesh government is also considering launching a similar scheme.

A delegation from Andhra Pradesh, comprising Ministers and officials, is set to visit Karnataka to examine the successful implementation of the Shakti scheme, which provides free bus travel for women on non-premium State-run buses. The Andhra Pradesh government is also considering launching a similar scheme.

According to a senior Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) official, a 15-member delegation, including three Ministers, will arrive in Bengaluru on Friday to study the scheme in depth.

“The team plans to engage with KSRTC officials to understand the operational framework, benefits, and challenges associated with the initiative. They are also scheduled to meet Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy for further discussions,” the official said.

The Shakti scheme, launched on June 11, 2023, is one of the five flagship guarantees introduced by the Congress government in Karnataka since assuming office.

Data from the Transport Department reveals a significant rise in daily ridership on State-run buses following the launch of the scheme. On average, the State-run transport corporations have recorded an additional 23.17 lakh passengers per day since the initiative began. Prior to the scheme’s implementation, these buses catered to an average of 93.46 lakh passengers daily. Post-launch, this number has climbed to 116.63 lakh passengers, highlighting the scheme’s widespread impact.

To support the scheme, Karnataka’s four State-run transport corporations— KSRTC, Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC)— together spent ₹4,38,036.59 between June 2023 and March 2024.

However, the government has reimbursed only ₹3,19,975 to these entities, leaving a pending amount of ₹1,18,061.59, based on the issuance of zero-fare tickets to women passengers.