Karnataka: Congress Government Rolls Out First Of Five Poll Guarantees With Free Bus Travel For Women

As of Sunday (11 June), women in Karnataka can travel for free on government-run buses with the implementation of the ruling Congress party's "Shakti" scheme.

The programme is the first of five guarantees announced ahead of the 10 May Karnataka assembly election and aims to benefit over 41.8 lakh women passengers each day.

Women who are domiciled in Karnataka can use the free service for travel within the state limits.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched the programme, and those interested can apply for the Shakti Smart Card by registering on the 'Seva Sindhu' government portal or by producing a valid photo identity card issued by the government.

According to officials, the scheme will reduce travel expenses for working women from poor and lower-middle-class backgrounds.

"The driving force behind this project is every woman of Kannada land who has not lost her passion for life despite the financial difficulties and has survived through the challenges," Siddaramaiah tweeted after the launch on Sunday.