During the International Women’s Day celebrations in Bengaluru, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy inaugurated 70 Palanquin sleeper buses and 45 Karnataka Transport buses while highlighting women-centric initiatives in KSRTCBengaluru: Marking International Women's Day, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation organised a special event at its headquarters in Bengaluru, where Ramalinga Reddy, Minister for Transport and Muzrai, inaugurated 115 new buses Today, including 70 non-AC Palanquin sleeper buses and 45 Karnataka Transport buses.
Speaking at the event, the minister remarked on the importance of recognising women’s contributions to society and ensuring equal opportunities for their growth. He said International Women’s Day, observed globally on March 8, celebrates women’s achievements across sectors, including education, science, economy, politics, and social development.
The newly launched Palanquin sleeper buses will operate on several major inter-state and intra-state routes, including Udupi, Mangaluru, Mysuru, Dharmasthala, Sringeri, Horanadu, Chikkamagaluru, Davangere, Chitradurga, Hampi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Panaji, Madurai, Kozhikode, and Pondicherry.
Officials also announced that 805 additional Karnataka Transport and Urban/Inter-Rural Transport vehicles will be inducted into the corporation between April and June 2026, strengthening public transport connectivity across the state.
During the programme, 46 women employees from 17 departments of KSRTC were honoured for their outstanding service. The awardees included 19 technical staff, 15 administrative staff, and 12 security personnel.
The event also recognised the achievements of Shubha V., who served for decades at CSIR National Aerospace Laboratories in Bengaluru and played a key role in developing the indigenous ‘Drishti’ runway visibility measurement system, which improves aircraft landing safety during fog conditions.
According to officials, KSRTC currently employs around 1.04 lakh staff members, including 8,956 women employees working as operators, technical staff, and administrators.
Under the state government’s Shakti Scheme, women passengers are allowed to travel free on government buses. As of March 12, 2026, the scheme has recorded 688.83 crore women passengers.
The corporation has also introduced several initiatives to support women employees, including:
- 180 days of maternity leave
- Monthly menstrual leave
- Childcare leave up to six months
- Childcare allowance of ₹1,250 per month until the child turns three
- Internal complaints committee under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013
Scholarships worth Rs. 88.54 lakh have also been distributed to 1,747 daughters of employees under the Vidya Chetana scheme.
Speaking at the event, Akram Pasha, Managing Director of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), said that, women are achieving success in every field and emphasised that education remains the most powerful tool for empowering women and enabling them to reach greater heights.
The event concluded with the felicitation of achievers and reaffirmation of the corporation’s commitment to women empowerment, workplace safety, and inclusive growth.
