As of April 2025, the Chamarajanagar division of KSRTC recorded 14.82 crore passenger journeys under the Shakti scheme.
| Photo Credit: File photo

Among the five guarantees launched by the Congress government, the Shakti scheme, which offers free travel for women in State-run buses, has seen an overwhelming response in Chamarajanagar district.

Launched on June 11, 2023, the scheme allows free travel on Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation buses. Since its inception, there has been a significant surge in the number of women commuting by these buses in the region.

As of April 2025, the Chamarajanagar division of KSRTC recorded 14.82 crore passenger journeys under the Shakti scheme. Of these, 9.08 crore journeys were made by women. KSRTC has reported a total revenue of ₹551.60 crore, with ₹328.16 crore being the ticket money of women passengers which the government will reimburse to the corporation, according to a press release from the Department of Information and Public Relations.

The scheme has enabled women to travel for various purposes, including employment, education, pilgrimage, tourism, and daily trips.

By eliminating travel expenses, many women have reported improved financial stability, particularly those employed in private companies, small businesses, and retail shops who previously spent a portion of their income on commuting, the release added.

The scheme has also led to a noticeable increase in the number of women visiting religious and tourist destinations across the district.

Notable sites include Male Mahadeshwara Hills in Hanur taluk; Biligiri Ranganabetta in Yelandur taluk, and Himavad Gopalaswamy Hills in Gundlupet taluk.

KSRTC divisional controller R. Ashok Kumar said the footfall at Male Mahadeshwara Hills had particularly risen during festive occasions such as New Moon days, Shivaratri, Ugadi, and Deepavali.

The increased mobility of women has also improved local businesses, particularly in religious and tourist hubs.

Fairs and festivals in these areas have seen higher economic activity as a result of the rise in the number of women visitors.