Metro Ridership Surges Despite Free Bus Scheme

24 May 2024 CW Team

Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has reported a significant 30% increase in Metro Rail ridership over the past year, countering concerns that the Shakti scheme, which offers free rides to women on non-luxury government buses, would negatively impact metro revenues. This statement was in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks suggesting that such free travel initiatives could detract from the financial health of metro services. The Shakti scheme, launched on June 11, 2023, has since facilitated approximately 67.34 crore free rides for women, demonstrating its popularity and the government's commitment to enhancing public transport accessibility for women across the state .

Despite the Prime Minister's concerns, the data presented by Minister Reddy highlights not only an increase in metro usage but also a robust revenue generation of Rs 130 crore in the last year alone. This growth in both footfall and financial performance underscores the effectiveness of Karnataka's integrated transport strategy, which seems to complement rather than compete with the metro system .

The success of the Shakti scheme and the surge in metro ridership are indicative of a broader acceptance and increased reliance on public transport among the local population, potentially driven by the economic benefits and convenience it offers. This trend is particularly noteworthy as it aligns with global urban mobility goals to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable city planning.

In light of these developments, the Karnataka government's approach offers a model for other states, showing that enhancing bus transport for specific demographics can coexist with and even boost metro rail usage, contrary to concerns about possible negative impacts on revenue and ridership.

Infrastructure Energy

25 Jun 2026

Centre Prioritising Energy Security With Coal Gasification

Union minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy said the Centre is prioritising energy security through a strategic shift to coal gasification and has announced incentives totalling Rs 460 billion (bn) to support the effort. He said more than 35 companies will start coal gasification activities in India within two months and that the government is encouraging firms that bring technology to close the domestic technology gap. The minister described the initiative as aimed at reducing import dependence and developing indigenous capacity. India has the fifth-largest coal reserve in the world, and..

BHEL and Coal India Invest Rs 250 bn in Odisha Gasification

Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) and Coal India (CIL) are jointly investing Rs 250 billion in a coal gasification project in Odisha, with the Prime Minister laying the foundation stone in Jharsuguda. Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy described the initiative as a transformative shift in coal utilisation that will open industrial avenues for the state. The project moves coal beyond conventional power generation to industrial feedstocks. Coal gasification will convert coal into synthesis gas, a versatile feedstock for chemicals, fertilisers and synthetic fuels, and the technology is ex..

BCCL Hands Over Dugdha Coal Washery To JSW Steel

Bharat Coking Coal has handed over the Dugdha Coal Washery to JSW Steel, marking the first coal washery asset monetisation under the Ministry of Coal's asset monetisation programme. The handover took place in the presence of senior officials from Bharat Coking Coal Ltd, JSW Steel and JSW Energy. The washery has a capacity of two million tonnes per annum (mn t per annum), and its transfer is intended to introduce private sector practices into coal beneficiation operations. The monetisation is aimed at modernising coal sector assets, improving operational efficiency and enhancing resource utilis..