Bantwal: Karnataka’s flagship public welfare initiative, the ‘Shakti’ free bus travel scheme, has reached an impressive milestone of 500 crore free journeys, sparking grand celebrations at the KSRTC bus station in B C Road, Bantwal.
The achievement was marked with a festive ceremony attended by key political figures and community leaders. Former minister B Ramanath Rai led the event, accompanied by Taluk Panchayat chairperson Jayanthi Poojari, district Congress committee member Narayana Naik, BC Road councillor Jesinta D’Souza, and other local representatives.
Prominent KSRTC officials, including depot manager Ismail, were present along with respected community members such as Abbas Ali, Mallika Shetty, and Josmin D’Souza, who joined in the celebration.
Launched to empower women and support mobility, the Shakti scheme has significantly improved access to public transportation, allowing lakhs of women to commute without financial strain. The initiative has not only reduced daily travel expenses for working women and students but also enhanced inter-district and rural connectivity, contributing to the state’s inclusive growth.
Officials highlighted that the 500 crore ride mark reflects the trust and enthusiasm of the public, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding the program further. The festive mood at the B C Road depot captured the essence of the scheme’s social impact and widespread acceptance.
The celebration also included interactions with regular commuters who praised the scheme for its economic and social benefits.