Mobility as Social Protection - Fare-free Public Bus Transport and Women’s Economic Participation - A Study of Karnataka’s “Shakti Yojane”

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Ben

Mobility as Social Protection analyzes how Karnataka’s Shakti Yojane, a fare-free public bus transport program, affects women’s mobility, livelihoods, and autonomy. A rigorous two-part study combines large surveys, follow-up interviews, and in-depth district discussions, tracing women’s experiences in Bengaluru and smaller towns. The research shows expanded access, increased disposable income through diverted transport savings, improved household stability, and strengthened agency and public participation. Estimated daily travel by 15–18 lakh women highlights its scale and potential impact.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages62

Reading Time2 h 36 min

AccessFree to download

Executive Summary

Introduction

Context

Shakti Yojane at a Glance

Revisiting Key Findings of Shakti Phase 1 Study

Research Design

Cross-sectional Study

Longitudinal Study

In-depth Interviews

A Note on Methodological Strengths and Limitations

Cross-Sectional Study of the Effects of Shakti Yojane in Bengaluru Urban

In partnership with FISCAL POLICY INSTITUTE Government of Karnataka Research Report | October 2025 Mobility as Social Protection: Fare-free Public Bus Transport and Women’s Economic Participation A Study of Karnataka’s “Shakti Yojane” Shipra Nigam, Melvin Kunjumon and Kripa Krishna Research Report | October 2025 Mobility as Social Protection: Fare-free Public Bus Transport and Women’s Economic Participation A Study of Karnataka’s “Shakti Yojane” Shipra Nigam, Melvin Kunjumon and Kripa Krishna Acknowledgements The JustJobs Network (JJN) would like to express sincere gratitude to Smt. Uma Mahadevan, Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner, Government of Karnataka for her vision and guidance. We would also like to thank Dr. Vishal R., IAS, Director, Fiscal Policy Institute (FPI) for the opportunity to collaborate. We appreciate the thoughtful feedback from Prof. M. R. Narayana, FPI. The authors would like to thank Sabina Dewan, President and Executive Director, JJN and Renjini Rajagopalan, Research Lead, JJN for their valuable guidance throughout the research and writing process. We extend heartfelt thanks to Quest Research & Development Pvt. Ltd. for supporting the fieldwork for this study. Ravi Urabinavar, Kevin Noel Sequeira, and Sachin Kumar Rathod provided valuable assistance with translation and transcription. Finally, the authors would like to thank Venkatesh Bilvam, Head of Communications, Design and Digital and Sristi Bhatt, Design Lead for the design and layout of the report. Melvin Kunjumon, Senior Research Associate, and Kripa Krishna, Research Associate, led the research design, field data collection, and analysis under the supervision of Shipra Nigam, Research Director, JJN. For more information [visit](visit www.justjobsnetwork.org)[ ](visit www.justjobsnetwork.org)[www.justjobsnetwork.org](visit www.justjobsnetwork.org) or write to us at [info@justjobsnetwork.org](info@justjobsnetwork.org). Suggested Citation Nigam, Shipra, Melvin Kunjumon, and Kripa Krishna. Mobility as Social Protection: Shakti Yojane and Women’s Economic Participation. JustJobs Network, 2025 A collaboration between the Fiscal Policy Institute, Government of Karnataka and the Centre for Gender Analysis—A JustJobs Network Initiative Long Abstract 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 শ 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 শ 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 শ The scheme supports women’s work continuity and access to new opportun

FAQs

What is the Shakti Yojane program and what does it provide?

Shakti Yojane provides fare-free public bus transport. The study examines how this free travel shapes women’s mobility, livelihoods, and autonomy.

How was the research conducted?

The research used a two-part approach combining large surveys, follow-up interviews with earlier respondents, and in-depth discussions across districts.

What key benefits does the report attribute to fare-free bus travel?

The report links the scheme to stronger empowerment and mobility gains, higher disposable income (through bus-fare savings redirected to essentials), and improved work continuity and access to opportunities.

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Ben