Karnataka’s Shakti scheme: Over Rs 4.5k-crore dues pending

Bengaluru: In the last two-and-a-half years, the state's four road transport corporations (RTCs) — KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC — have spent Rs 17,647.5 crore on providing free bus travel for women under the Shakti Scheme.Ins and OutsLaunched: June 11, 2023Spending by RTCs: Rs 17,647.5 crore Reimbursed by state govt: Rs 13,073 crorePending Dues2023–24: Rs 1,180.6 crore2024–25: Rs 1,170.5 crore 2025-2026: Rs 2,222.7 croreOverall pending dues: Rs 4,573.8 croreLosses incurred: Rs 6,549 croreTickets issued 2023-24: 183 crore2024-25: 244.7 crore2025-2026: 253 croreTotal: 680.9 crore Annual expenditure 2023-24: Rs 4,380 crore2024-25: Rs 6,185 crore2025-2026: Rs 7,081 crore*Source: State govt; Figures rounded off; Until Feb 28, 2026QuotesAfter the Congress govt came to power, steps were taken to expand the fleet by adding 6,082 new buses in a phased manner, including the induction of 2,000 buses in the current financial year. During the BJP's term, no measures were taken to fill vacant posts and fleet expansion was neglected. The state govt has provided financial assistance of Rs 2,000 crore to the road corporations to clear pending dues towards gratuity, PF, fuel costs and other expenses. In addition, the govt exempted the corporations from paying motor vehicle tax to the tune of Rs 1,219.2 crore.- Ramalinga Reddy, Transport minister The corporations' finances have not been adversely affected, as the state govt continues to extend support. Recently, the state govt agreed to provide Rs 1,271 crore to clear pending salary arrears of staff. We do not see any reason for Shakti Scheme dues to impact the financial health of the corporations.- Akram Pasha, KSRTC MD— Text by Suchith Kidiyoor