23% RISE IN WOMEN'S EMPLOYMENT IN BENGALURU AFTER SHAKTI SCHEME

However, the report flags persistent challenges, particularly around firstand last-mile connectivity

- KALIDAS NEWDELHI

The report highlights Karnataka as the best-performing State among five-studied States, in terms of linking free public transport to employment gains for women.

The findings come from a new report titled "Beyond Free Rides: A Multi-State Assessment of Women's Bus Fare Subsidy Schemes in Urban India".

A 23% jump in women's employment in Bengaluru and a 21% increase in Hubballi-Dharwad have been recorded following the implementation of Karnataka's Shakti Scheme, which offers fare-free bus travel to women, according to a new study.

The report highlights Karnataka as the best-performing State among five-studied States, in terms of linking free public transport to employment gains for women. The findings come from a new report titled "Beyond Free Rides: A Multi-State Assessment of Women's Bus Fare Subsidy Schemes in Urban India", commissioned by the Sustainable Mobility Network and conducted by Nikore Associates.