Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Jun 18: The Shakti scheme launched by the Siddaramaiah-led government that allows free travel for women in government-run buses has evoked good response among the women.

The number of women passengers availing themselves of the schemes is doubling with every passing day from Sunday, June 11 when the scheme was introduced until Friday.

On the first day 5,000 women travelled in the Mangaluru division which consists of Mangaluru 1, Mangaluru 3, Udupi and Kundapura. Later, there was a phenomenal increase in the number of women who availed themselves of the Shakti scheme and it touched 63,715 on Friday along 303 routes. 

In the 53 routes of Mangaluru one depot 7,480 women travelled and the income was Rs 3,96,649. In Mangaluru 3 depot there are 117 routes and 26,503 women travelled along these routes and along the 68 routes of Kundapura depot 17,074 women travelled. In Udupi, 12,658 women travelled along 65 routes.

On June 14, 57,329 women travelled along 303 routes. On June 15, the number rose to 61,244.

There is a widespread demand from women passengers to run express buses on Mangaluru-Moodbidri, Mangaluru-Karkala and Mangaluru-Udupi routes. Similarly demands are being put forth for running Udupi-Kundapura, Udupi-Karkala and Udupi-Hebri, Kundapura-Gangolli and Kundapura-Kollur routes. There is a demand for 50 new buses.

Divisional controller Rajesh Shetty said that the issue of public demand will be brought to the notice of higher officials.