Bengaluru is witnessing a quiet but powerful transformation in women’s mobility and employment, driven by the Congress Government’s flagship Shakti scheme — part of the party’s pre-election promise under Congress ki Guarantee.
The initiative, which offers free bus travel to women across Karnataka, has already led to a 23 per cent increase in female workforce participation, with Bengaluru emerging as one of the biggest beneficiaries.
Women from peripheral areas are now commuting daily to jobs in education, healthcare, retail, and services within the city — an option that was financially and logistically challenging before.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who also serves as Bengaluru’s Town Planning Minister, has played a central role in aligning the scheme with the city’s transit infrastructure.
Under his guidance, coordination between BMTC and other transport agencies has ensured that the scheme works efficiently in a fast-growing metropolis like Bengaluru.
In a recent post on social media, Shivakumar shared testimonials from women who credited the Shakti scheme with enabling their return to work or first-time employment. “Shakti gave her the freedom to move, and she chose to move forward,” he wrote, reflecting how the policy has opened up new pathways to economic independence.
Bengaluru’s urban layout and high concentration of employment hubs had long made affordable transport a key barrier for women living on the outskirts.
With the implementation of Shakti, these women can now access better jobs without spending on daily bus fares — an immediate financial relief that also contributes to longer-term economic empowerment.
As part of the Congress government’s broader effort to deliver on its guarantee programmes, Shakti has become a flagship example of inclusive urban policy.
With measurable employment impact already visible in Bengaluru, the initiative is drawing attention as a model worth replicating in other metropolitan areas.
The scheme’s success also underscores the importance of integrating gender equity into city planning — something Shivakumar has emphasized as a cornerstone of his vision for Bengaluru’s development.