A recent report has revealed that women’s employment in Bengaluru surged by 23% following the rollout of Karnataka’s Shakti Scheme, which offers free bus travel to women statewide. Hubballi-Dharwad recorded a similar 21% increase in women joining the workforce, underscoring how mobility can fuel economic empowerment.
According to The Hindu, the findings are part of a multi-state report titled “Beyond Free Rides”, conducted by Nikore Associates for the Sustainable Mobility Network. The study covered 10 cities across Karnataka, Delhi, Kerala, Maharashtra, and West Bengal, drawing on over 2,500 surveys, interviews, and group discussions.
Karnataka emerged as the state with the most tangible link between fare-free transport and employment gains for women. In Bengaluru and Hubballi-Dharwad, around 27% of women surveyed said they switched to buses after the scheme launched. Many reported more frequent travel over longer distances for jobs, education, and essential needs.
Despite the benefits, the study flagged ongoing issues. First- and last-mile connectivity remains poor, especially in city outskirts. While bus rides are free, added costs for autos or shared transport to reach bus stops undermine savings. Safety is another concern—fewer than half of the respondents in Bengaluru and Hubballi-Dharwad felt secure while commuting, citing harassment, dim lighting, and overcrowded buses.
To enhance the scheme’s impact, the report urges expanding the bus fleet, improving lighting and CCTV coverage, integrating with local transport, and training gender-sensitive staff.
Since its June 2023 launch, the scheme has supported over 508 crore trips, saving women ₹12,881 crore in fares.