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.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Resources

Schindler named among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2026

Schindler has been named among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2026, a global ranking recognising companies for their workplace environments.Compiled by Forbes in partnership with Statista, the ranking is based on independent employee feedback, including whether employees would recommend their organisation to friends and family.The company said the recognition reflected its focus on creating a workplace where employees can develop their expertise and build careers. ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India needs an export-execution mindset: Vishesh Jain

Interview with Vishesh Jain, Founder & CEO, EximpleWhat gaps in India’s global trade ecosystem led you to build Eximple, and what problem did you see businesses struggling with most?Eximple came out of a problem that all three founders had seen from different choke points in the trade ecosystem. India has millions of MSMEs and manufacturers, and many of them can make products that are genuinely competitive on quality. Yet only a small fraction is able to build meaningful international businesses. In our experience, the gap is usually not manufacturing capability; it is the ability to exe..

Next Story
Building Material

Nuvoco reports 13.5% revenue growth in Q2 FY27

Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd. reported consolidated revenue of Rs 27.9 billion for Q2 FY27, up 13.5% year on year. Cement sales volume rose 9% to 4.7 million tonnes (MMT), while EBITDA increased 11% to Rs 4.11 billion.The company said it began its cement operations in 2014 with a 2.3 MMT per annum (MMTPA) operation at Nimbol. It now aims to reach 35 MMTPA of cement capacity by FY28, nearly 15 times its initial capacity. Its portfolio spans cement, ready-mix concrete and modern building materials.On sustainability and cost efficiency, Nuvoco partnered with CleanMax for a 46.4 MW wind-solar hybrid re..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code