After analysing over 2.7 crore BMTC trip records between 2023 to 2025, researchers at the Azim Premji University have found that women’s daily average ridership rose by over 150% after the launch of the Shakti Scheme. The share of women among total passengers also increased from 40% to 62%.

The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is the sole public bus transport provider for Bengaluru, serving urban, suburban and rural areas. The study, titled “Gender, Welfare, and Mobility,” authored by Tamoghna Halder and Arjun Jayadev, examines the impact of the Shakti Scheme on BMTC transport transformation.

Published in November 2025, the study quantifies the financial and operational effects of the Scheme, a flagship guarantee programme of the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government.

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