The Shakti Scheme is a flagship welfare initiative of the Karnataka government launched on June 11, 2023, as the first of the Congress government’s five pre-poll guarantees . The scheme provides free bus travel for women, girl students, and gender minorities across all four state-run road transport corporations in Karnataka.
The scheme is one of Karnataka’s five guarantee schemes, alongside Gruha Jyothi (free electricity), Gruha Lakshmi (monthly assistance to women heads of families), Anna Bhagya (free rice to BPL families), and Yuva Nidhi (unemployment allowance for graduates) . It was designed to reduce travel expenses for working women from poor and lower-middle-class families, enabling them to use savings for household expenses .
Since its launch, the Shakti Scheme has become one of India’s most successful fare-free public transport initiatives. By 2026, women have undertaken over 763 crore free bus journeys, with the notional ticket value exceeding ₹20,000 crore . The scheme has been recognised by the Golden Book of World Records for recording the highest number of women beneficiaries availing free travel under a public transport programme .
Overview of Shakti Scheme
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Shakti Scheme |
| Launched By | Government of Karnataka |
| Launch Date | June 11, 2023 |
| Objective | Free bus travel for women in state-run buses |
| Eligibility | Women residents of Karnataka (domicile holders) |
| Coverage | Ordinary and express buses of 4 RTCs |
| Excluded Services | Premium buses (Rajahamsa, Airavat, Ambari, etc.) |
| Daily Beneficiaries | Approximately 55-60 lakh women |
| Total Free Journeys | Over 763 crore (as of May 2026) |
| Annual Budget (2026-27) | ₹5,300 crore |
| Smart Card | Shakti Smart Card (rollout in progress) |
| Grievance Helpline | 1902 |
| Application Portal | Seva Sindhu Portal |
| Implementing Agencies | KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, KKRTC |
Key Features of the Shakti Scheme
The Shakti Scheme incorporates several distinctive features that make it a comprehensive welfare initiative .
Free Travel for Women:
The scheme provides free travel to all women passengers, including girl students aged 6 years and above, and gender minorities. There is no travel distance limit for women passengers within Karnataka state .
Wide Bus Coverage:
Free travel is available on ordinary and express buses operated by all four state-run transport corporations: Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC) .
Excluded Services:
The scheme does not apply to luxury buses such as Rajahamsa, Non-AC Sleeper, AC Sleeper, Airavat, Airavat Club Class, Ambari, Ambari Dream Class, Ambari Utsav, Fi Bus, and EV Plus services .
Domicile Requirement:
The free travel facility is applicable only to women who are domiciled in Karnataka. This is verified through valid government-issued photo identity proof .
No Application Fee:
The scheme does not require any application fee. Women can avail benefits by simply showing valid ID proof while travelling, or through the upcoming Shakti Smart Card.
Eligibility Criteria for Shakti Scheme
To avail benefits under the Shakti Scheme, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements :
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Gender | Must be a woman (including girl students aged 6+) or gender minority |
| Residency | Must be a domicile of Karnataka state |
| Travel | Must travel within Karnataka state limits |
| Bus Type | Must travel on ordinary/express buses of state RTCs |
| ID Proof | Must carry valid government-issued photo ID |
Additional Eligibility Notes:
- Girl students aged 6 years and above are eligible for free travel benefits
- Gender minorities are included in the scheme
- The scheme is available without discrimination on the basis of caste or religion
Documents Required for Travel and Smart Card
To avail free travel under the Shakti Scheme, passengers must carry valid identity proof .
Documents Accepted for Free Travel:
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter Identity Card
- Driving Licence
- Passport
- Any other Government-issued Photo Identity Card
- Shakti Smart Card (once issued)
Documents Required for Smart Card Application:
- Aadhaar Card
- Ration Card or Voter ID showing Karnataka address
- Mobile number for registration
- Passport-size photograph
Smart Card Application Process
The Karnataka government is rolling out the Shakti Smart Card to streamline the free travel benefit .
Online Application Process:
- Visit the official Seva Sindhu Portal at sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in
- Register as a new user with mobile number and Aadhaar details
- Log in to the portal
- Navigate to the “Apply for Shakti Smart Card” option
- Fill the application form with personal and address details
- Upload required documents (Aadhaar, ration card/voter ID with Karnataka address)
- Submit the application
- The card will be delivered free after verification, either by post or available for collection at designated centres
Offline Application:
Offline applications are available at Bangalore One, Karnataka One, and Gram One centres . Applicants can submit documents at these centres for verification and card issuance.
Smart Card Features:
- The smart card replaces the need to show ID proof for free bus travel
- It uses swipe-based verification on Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs)
- The card can also be recharged for paid Namma Metro rides
- The smart cards will be issued free of cost to verified beneficiaries
How to Avail Free Travel Benefits
Currently, women can avail free travel under the Shakti Scheme by following a simple process :
Step 1: Board any ordinary or express bus operated by KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, or KKRTC.
Step 2: Inform the conductor that you wish to travel under the Shakti Scheme.
Step 3: Present any valid government-issued photo identity proof showing Karnataka domicile.
Step 4: The conductor will issue a zero-fare ticket.
Step 5: Keep the ticket with you for inspection during the journey.
Step 6: Once the Shakti Smart Card is issued, simply tap/swipe the card on the conductor’s Electronic Ticketing Machine for verification.
Types of Buses Covered and Excluded
The Shakti Scheme applies to specific categories of buses operated by Karnataka’s state transport corporations .
Covered Buses:
- Ordinary buses (all routes within Karnataka)
- Express buses (all routes within Karnataka)
- City transport buses (including BMTC city services)
- Non-stop statewide transports
- Urban transport services
Excluded Buses:
- Rajahamsa (semi-luxury)
- Non-AC Sleeper
- AC Sleeper
- Airavat (AC luxury)
- Airavat Club Class
- Ambari, Ambari Dream Class, Ambari Utsav
- Fi Bus
- EV Plus services
- Vajra services (BMTC AC buses)
Services Not Applicable:
- Daily pass services
- Monthly pass services
- Occasional contract services
- Permanent contract/chartered services
- Package services
Impact and Achievements of the Scheme
The Shakti Scheme has shown remarkable impact since its launch in June 2023 .
Ridership Statistics:
- Over 763 crore free journeys undertaken by women by the end of May 2026
- Approximately 55-60 lakh women use the scheme on an average day
- 474.82 crore women passengers travelled in the first two years (June 2023 to June 2025)
Financial Scale:
- Total notional ticket value of free rides: ₹20,047.69 crore (as of May 2026)
- Annual budget allocation for 2026-27: ₹5,300 crore
- Government has reimbursed ₹14,874 crore so far
- Pending reimbursement to transport corporations: ₹5,172 crore
Recognition:
- Recognised by the Golden Book of World Records for highest number of women beneficiaries availing free travel under a public transport programme
- Under evaluation by the National Law School of India University for its transport equity impact
Social Impact:
- Working women from poor and lower-middle-class families have reduced travel expenses
- Savings can be used for household expenses
- Gender minorities included in the scheme, promoting inclusivity
Financial Implications and Challenges
The Shakti Scheme, while popular, has created significant financial implications for Karnataka’s transport corporations .
Budget Allocation History:
- 2024-25 allocation: ₹5,015 crore
- 2025-26 allocation: ₹5,300 crore
- 2026-27 allocation: ₹5,300 crore
- Total reimbursements: Over ₹8,000 crore since launch
Financial Challenges:
- Transport corporations collectively incur losses of around ₹40 crore per month due to rising operational costs
- Government pending dues: ₹5,172 crore as of June 2026
- Male passenger share has dropped from 48% to 36% since scheme implementation
- Revenue from male passengers fell from ₹6,449 crore (2024-25) to ₹6,825 crore worth of tickets
Sustainability Measures:
- Government considering bus fare hikes for male passengers
- Implementation of electric bus programme to reduce operational costs
- Smart card rollout to prevent misuse and improve data collection
Recent Updates in 2026
The Shakti Scheme has seen several developments in 2026 .
Shakti Smart Card Rollout:
The government is finalising the framework for issuing smart cards to over 2 crore women beneficiaries . The project will be implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with cards issued free of cost. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will oversee implementation and distribution, with a Transaction Advisory Committee finalising the smart card framework .
Electric Bus Induction:
The government announced the Karnataka Electric Bus Programme costing ₹2,000 crore, under which 4,000 electric buses will be inducted in phases . This will help reduce operational costs of transport corporations.
Student Pass Initiative:
The government expects to issue approximately 1 million free bus passes to students for the 2026-27 academic year .
Potential Fare Hike:
Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh has indicated that bus fares for other passengers may be increased to ensure the sustainability of transport corporations while continuing the Shakti Scheme . The government owes several hundred crores towards reimbursement and is awaiting Finance Department clearance.
Grievance Redressal and Help Desk
The Karnataka government has established a grievance redressal mechanism for the Shakti Scheme .
Shakti Scheme Helpline: 1902
KSRTC Contact:
- Address: Transport House Central Offices, K.H. Road, Shanthinagar, Bangalore-560 027
- Telephone: 080-22221321/25
- Website: ksrtc.karnataka.gov.in
Grievance Process:
- Complaints regarding misuse of the scheme
- Issues with smart card issuance
- Problems with free travel benefit denial
- Any other scheme-related queries
Important Official Links and Resources
Official Websites:
- Seva Sindhu Portal: sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in
- KSRTC Official Website: ksrtc.karnataka.gov.in
- Bengaluru Urban District: bengaluruurban.nic.in
Contact Details:
- Shakti Scheme Helpline: 1902
- KSRTC Contact: 080-22221321/25
Application Resources:
- Smart Card Application: Available on Seva Sindhu Portal
- Offline Application: Bangalore One, Karnataka One, Gram One centres
What is the Shakti Scheme?
The Shakti Scheme is a Karnataka government initiative providing free bus travel for women, girl students, and gender minorities on state-run buses. Launched on June 11, 2023, it is one of the government’s five flagship guarantee schemes .
Who is eligible for the Shakti Scheme?
Women, girl students aged 6 and above, and gender minorities who are domiciled in Karnataka are eligible for free travel benefits on ordinary and express buses operated by the four state transport corporations .
What documents are required for the Shakti Scheme?
For travel, women must carry valid government-issued photo ID such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or Passport. For smart card application, documents include Aadhaar, ration card or voter ID with Karnataka address, and mobile number .
How can I apply for the Shakti Smart Card?
Online applications can be submitted through the Seva Sindhu Portal (sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in). Offline applications are available at Bangalore One, Karnataka One, and Gram One centres. The cards will be issued free of charge .
Which buses are covered under the Shakti Scheme?
Free travel is available on ordinary and express buses of KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC. The scheme does not apply to luxury services like Rajahamsa, Airavat, Ambari, Vajra, and other premium buses .
Is there any distance limit for free travel?
No, there is no travel distance limit for women passengers under the Shakti Scheme. The facility is applicable for travel within Karnataka state limits .
What is the Shakti Smart Card?
The Shakti Smart Card is a contactless card being introduced to streamline free travel benefits. It eliminates the need to show ID proof, reduces misuse, and can also be used for Namma Metro paid rides. The cards will be issued free to verified beneficiaries .
How many women have benefited from the Shakti Scheme?
As of May 2026, women have undertaken over 763 crore free journeys under the scheme. Approximately 55-60 lakh women use the scheme on an average day .
Is there an application fee for the Shakti Scheme?
No, there is no application fee for the Shakti Scheme. The smart cards will also be issued free of cost to eligible women .
What is the helpline number for the Shakti Scheme?
The Shakti Scheme helpline number is 1902. For KSRTC-specific queries, contact 080-22221321/25 .