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Mobility as Social Protection: Fare-free Public Bus Transport and Women’s Economic Participation- A Study of Karnataka’s “Shakti Yojane”
6 November 2025
ABOUT THIS Report
JustJobs Network’s Study on Shakti Yojane finds the scheme expanding mobility, income security, and agency for Karnataka’s most vulnerable women — at scale.
The JustJobs Network, in collaboration with the Government of Karnataka, conducted a rigorous two-part research study to assess how fare-free public transport shapes women’s mobility, livelihoods, and autonomy.
Using a combination of large surveys, follow-up interviews with earlier respondents, and in-depth discussions across districts, this study follows women’s experiences in Bengaluru and in smaller towns across Karnataka. It examines how free bus travel is helping women overcome long-standing barriers to mobility, work, and public participation. The focus is on women from low-income and informal-sector households who depend most on public transport. The research looks at how removing daily transport costs supports their ability to travel for work and essential needs, improves household financial stability, and builds confidence and independence in public spaces.
Key Insights
The scheme delivers the strongest empowerment and mobility gains for the most vulnerable women.
- Particularly impactful for low-income earners, informal workers, and students
- Higher utilisation among SC/ST/OBC women and lower-expenditure households
The scheme effectively increases women’s disposable income by approximately 8–12%.
- Bus-fare savings diverted to essentials: food, rent, education, healthcare
- Strengthens household resilience among those with least financial cushion
The scheme supports women’s work continuity and access to new opportunities.
- Enables retention of jobs, extra shifts, and secondary income opportunities
- Expands feasible job-search radius, especially for women without private transport
The scheme strengthens women’s social empowerment and public presence.
- More independent travel for work, care responsibilities, and leisure
- Greater visibility in public spaces improves confidence and perceived safety
- Women report increased agency and reduced dependence on male family members
The scheme is enabling women’s mobility at scale across Karnataka.
- An estimated 15–18 lakh women travel daily across the state under the programme, underscoring its transformative scale and impact.
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