Shakti Scheme Karnataka – Free Bus Travel for Women

What is Shakti Scheme?

Shakti is a Karnataka government scheme providing free bus travel for all women on Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and its subsidiary buses (BMTC, NWKRTC, NEKRTC). Any woman residing in Karnataka can travel for free on non-premium government buses across the state.

The scheme was launched to improve women's mobility, economic participation, and independence.

Who is Eligible?

1. All women residing in Karnataka
2. No age limit — girls and women of all ages can avail
3. No income criteria — available to all women regardless of economic status
4. Must obtain the Shakti Smart Card for free travel

Buses Covered

• KSRTC ordinary and express buses
• BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation) ordinary buses
• NWKRTC and NEKRTC buses
• NOT covered: Volvo, AC, Airavat, Flybus, and other premium/luxury services

Documents Required

• Aadhaar Card
• Recent Passport Size Photo
• Mobile Number

How to Get the Shakti Smart Card

Online Registration

1. Visit the KSRTC official website or Seva Sindhu portal
2. Click on "Shakti Scheme Registration"
3. Enter your Aadhaar number and verify with OTP
4. Upload a passport-size photo
5. Submit the registration
6. Collect the Shakti Smart Card from the designated bus depot or receive it by post

Offline Registration

1. Visit any major KSRTC / BMTC bus depot or Karnataka One centre
2. Carry your Aadhaar card and a passport photo
3. Fill the Shakti registration form
4. Submit and collect the smart card (may be issued on the spot or within a few days)

Temporary Pass

• Women can also travel free by showing their Aadhaar card to the conductor even without the smart card (during the initial rollout phase)
• However, getting the smart card is recommended for hassle-free travel

How to Use the Shakti Card

1. Board any eligible KSRTC/BMTC ordinary bus
2. Show or tap your Shakti Smart Card to the conductor
3. Collect a free ticket from the conductor
4. Travel to your destination — no payment required

Important Tips

1. Premium Buses Excluded: Shakti does not cover Volvo, AC, Airavat, or Flybus services. Only ordinary and express buses.
2. Get the Card Early: While Aadhaar can be used temporarily, the smart card ensures faster boarding.
3. Card is Non-Transferable: The Shakti card has your photo and details — it cannot be used by someone else.
4. Inter-District Travel Covered: You can travel anywhere within Karnataka on eligible buses for free.
5. Report Misconduct: If any conductor refuses free travel or misbehaves, complain at the bus depot or call the KSRTC helpline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is the Shakti card mandatory for free travel?

During the initial phase, women could show Aadhaar. However, now the Shakti smart card is recommended for all free travel.

Q2: Can I travel on BMTC Volvo/AC buses for free?

No. Only ordinary BMTC buses are covered. Volvo, AC, and premium services require regular tickets.

Q3: Is there a limit on how many trips I can take?

No. There is no limit on the number of trips. Women can travel unlimited times on eligible buses.

Q4: Can men avail this scheme?

No. Shakti is exclusively for women.

Q5: Can I use Shakti for interstate travel?

No. The scheme covers only intra-state travel within Karnataka on KSRTC and subsidiary buses.

Q6: What if I lose my Shakti card?

Visit the nearest KSRTC depot with your Aadhaar card to get a replacement smart card issued.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent platform and is not affiliated with the Government of Karnataka or KSRTC. Verify details on the official website.