Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy announced that Metro Rail ridership has surged by 30 per cent over the past year, despite the implementation of the ‘Shakti’ guarantee, which offers free rides for women on non-luxury government buses across the state.
“Our Metro Rail ridership has increased by 30 per cent in the last one year. In January 2023, the number of Metro rail passengers was 1.65 crore and the revenue was Rs 39.15 crore. In April 2024, the number of passengers increased to two crore and the revenue increased to Rs 51.71 crore,” Reddy stated.
67.34 crore free rides by women
Reddy responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement suggesting that free travel for women in government buses would negatively impact Metro Rail revenues. He noted that since the Shakti guarantee’s implementation on June 11, 2023, the city has recorded 67.34 crore free rides by women up until May 20.
Increase of 35 lakh passengers per month
He highlighted that there has been an increase of 35 lakh passengers per month in 2024 compared to 2023, with monthly revenue up by Rs 1.10 crore.
“These figures clearly show that the Metro Rail has not been negatively affected by the Shakti guarantee. On the contrary, there has been a significant rise in both ridership and revenue,” Reddy emphasised.
Furthermore, Reddy criticised the prime minister’s remarks, saying it was “not proper” for Modi to exhibit prejudice and blame the scheme. “Modi is trying to create misconception among people that only those schemes announced by BJP are good, but people know the truth,” Reddy added.