+
Metro Ridership Surges Despite Free Bus Scheme
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Metro Ridership Surges Despite Free Bus Scheme

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.

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.

Next Story
Building Material

UltraTech’s Limestone Mine Gets India’s First-Ever 7-Star Rating

UltraTech Cement, India’s largest producer of cement and Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC), has received top honours for sustainable mining practices. Thirteen of the company’s limestone mines were awarded star ratings by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), Ministry of Mines, for FY 2023–24 during a ceremony held in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Among these, the Naokari Limestone Mine—part of UltraTech’s Awarpur Cement Works in Chandrapur, Maharashtra—was awarded India’s first-ever 7-star rating for a limestone mine, in recognition of exceptional performance in ‘Green Mining’. The remain..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Sieger Parking Enters Mumbai Market, Expands West India Presence

Sieger Parking, a Coimbatore-headquartered specialist in automated and multi-level car parking systems, has announced its entry into Western India with the launch of a regional office in Mumbai. This move marks a key milestone in the company’s pan-India growth strategy and its commitment to delivering technology-driven, space-efficient parking solutions across urban India. The Mumbai office will serve as the regional headquarters for Maharashtra and neighbouring states, supporting end-to-end operations with on-ground sales, project management, and service teams. The aim is to fast-track..

Next Story
Resources

IGBC Green Kochi Conclave 2025 Champions Culture and Climate Action

The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), part of CII, hosted the Green Kochi Conclave 2025 on 4 July at Hotel Holiday Inn, Kochi, under the theme “Tharavadu to Tomorrow: Weaving Kerala’s Heritage into a Sustainable Built Environment.” The event brought together policymakers, architects, developers, and thought leaders to discuss Kerala’s progress in blending cultural heritage with sustainable design.  Kerala is emerging as a frontrunner in climate-resilient development, thanks to passive design strategies, rainwater harvesting, cool roof initiatives, and the widespread adopt..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?