Karnataka’s Transport Minister, Ramalinga Reddy, announced on Tuesday that bus travel will be made free for all women in the state, without any conditions. This move comes as part of the ruling Congress party’s commitment to fulfilling its election promises. Reddy clarified that the party’s manifesto did not specify any categories of women for this scheme, thus making all women eligible to travel for free in government-run buses.
Following a meeting with the chiefs of Karnataka’s four transport corporations, Reddy stated that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called for a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, during which the expenses for implementing this scheme will be discussed and a report will be submitted. The decision to make bus travel free for women has been eagerly awaited, with pressure mounting on the government to fulfill its five poll promises since coming into power. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) staff and workers federation also wrote a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging him to implement the scheme promptly.
They highlighted that some women passengers have already started refusing to pay ticket fares, anticipating the scheme’s implementation. The staff further requested the government to estimate the cost of the scheme and provide advance compensation to KSRTC. During the election campaign, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi demonstrated his commitment to this scheme by traveling on a local bus, assuring the public that it would be implemented once his party assumed power. Now, with the announcement from the Transport Minister, women in Karnataka can look forward to availing free bus travel across the state.