16.73 cr women in Karnataka avail free bus travel
A total of 16.73 crore women passengers in Karnataka availed Shakti scheme, which offers free bus travel for women, in one month (June 11 to July 10), according to the transport department records.
Since June 11, 2023, women have accounted for 50.8% of the total 32.8 crore passengers who have traveled in four Regional Transport Corporations (RTCs), namely Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC).
This statistic highlights the significant representation of women passengers in these RTCs, indicating the importance of their participation in public transportation. The inclusion and active involvement of women in the transportation sector contribute to gender equality, empowerment, and societal progress.
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is one of the major state-owned transport organizations in Karnataka, responsible for providing bus services across the state and beyond. With women constituting a substantial portion of the passengers, it reflects the accessibility and convenience offered by KSRTC to meet the travel needs of women commuters.
The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) plays a crucial role in catering to the transportation requirements of Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka. As women make up a significant proportion of the passengers, it emphasizes the reliability and safety measures adopted by BMTC, fostering an inclusive and commuter-friendly environment for women.
The North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) serves the transportation needs of the northwestern region of Karnataka, covering various districts. The substantial representation of women passengers in NWKRTC signifies the availability and utilization of public transport options, enabling women to commute conveniently within the region.
The Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC) focuses on providing efficient bus services in the Kalyana Karnataka region of Karnataka. With women comprising a considerable portion of the passengers, it underlines the significance of KKRTC’s services in facilitating the mobility of women residents, contributing to their social and economic well-being.
Overall, the equal participation of women, accounting for 50.8% of the passengers in these four RTCs, demonstrates the progress towards gender inclusivity and the provision of safe and accessible public transportation. These statistics highlight the efforts made by these RTCs to address the needs and preferences of women passengers, fostering an environment where everyone can travel with comfort and confidence.
According to the data, maximum number of women passengers traveled in BMTC (5.38 crore), followed by KSRTC (5.09 crore), NWKRTC (4.02 crore) and KKRTC (2.23 crore) during this period.
Under the Shakti scheme, the total value of tickets during this period is Rs 401.94 crore. Among the different transport corporations, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) issued tickets worth Rs 151.25 crore. KSRTC primarily operates long-distance routes, connecting various cities and towns within Karnataka and to neighboring states.
The North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) issued tickets worth Rs 103.51 crore. NWKRTC serves the northern and western regions of Karnataka, connecting cities like Hubli, Belgaum, and Dharwad.
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) are the two major transport corporations in the state, with extensive networks and many passengers.
The Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (KKRTC) issued tickets worth Rs 77.62 crore. KKRTC operates in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, providing transportation services to popular tourist destinations like Nainital, Almora, and Ranikhet.
The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) issued tickets worth Rs 69.56 crore. BMTC operates within the city limits of Bengaluru, catering to the transportation needs of the urban population. Under the Shakti scheme, women undertake short trips in Bengaluru, resulting in a relatively lower value of tickets compared to the other transport corporations.
The Shakti scheme aims to empower women by providing them with subsidized travel options and promoting their mobility. It recognizes the importance of safe and affordable transportation for women and encourages their active participation in various spheres of life. By offering discounted tickets, the scheme promotes women’s independence and facilitates their access to education, employment, healthcare, and other essential services.
KSRTC managing director V Anbukumar told Moneycontrol: “We have submitted the bills of Shakti scheme to the finance department and the state government has assured to reimburse the amount on a monthly basis”.
Statistics show four RTCs recorded a daily ridership of 55.77 lakh including BMTC (17.95 lakh), KSRTC (16.97 lakh), NWKRTC (13.42 lakh) and KKRTC (7.43 lakh) during the period. Prior to the scheme, daily ridership was 41.81 lakh including BMTC (10.86 lakh), KSRTC (14.43 lakh), NWKRTC (9.12 lakh), KKRTC (7.41 lakh).
On July 4, a total of 1.20 crore passengers travelled in four RTCs, of which 70.15 lakh were women (58.4%).
In a statement, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy highlighted the positive impact of the scheme on the general public, with a particular emphasis on women passengers. According to Reddy, both the general public and women passengers have been availing the benefits of the scheme by traveling in government buses on a daily basis. This observation reinforces the significance of government buses as not only the lifeline of the public but also the preferred mode of transport for women passengers.
The statement suggests that the scheme has successfully catered to the transportation needs of the public, including women, by providing reliable and accessible bus services. By emphasizing the popularity of government buses among women passengers, Reddy acknowledges the importance of safe, efficient, and inclusive public transportation options.
The availability and utilization of government buses by women passengers demonstrate that these buses meet the requirements and preferences of women commuters. It signifies that the government has implemented measures to ensure the safety and comfort of women travelers, making public buses their preferred choice for daily commuting.
Reddy’s statement underlines the positive impact of the scheme on women’s mobility, enabling them to access education, employment, healthcare, and other essential services. By acknowledging the preference of women passengers for government buses, the transport minister highlights the government’s commitment to providing affordable and convenient transportation options that cater to the diverse needs of its citizens.
Overall, Reddy’s statement serves as an affirmation of the success and effectiveness of the scheme in meeting the transportation requirements of the general public, particularly women passengers. It reinforces the perception that government buses are not just a means of transportation but also a vital component of the public’s daily lives, facilitating mobility and contributing to the overall development and well-being of society.
“Except a few minor incidents, the overall success of the scheme is
exceptional and it is an exemplary initiative towards women empowerment” he said.
