Karnataka Shakti Scheme — Free Bus Travel for Women (2026)

The Shakti Scheme is a flagship initiative by the Government of Karnataka that provides free bus travel to all women on state-run buses. Launched on 11 June 2023 by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as one of the five guarantee schemes, Shakti has become one of the most widely used welfare programmes in the state.

Since its launch, over 668 crore free tickets have been issued to women passengers across Karnataka. More than 75 lakh women use the scheme daily, with about 22–24 lakh women availing free bus travel in Bengaluru alone — saving families thousands of rupees every month on commuting costs.

2026 Update: The Karnataka Cabinet has approved new Shakti Smart Cards with Namma Metro integration. Rollout is expected by mid-2026. Read more below.

Who Is Eligible?

The Shakti scheme is available to all women — there is no income limit, age restriction, or caste-based criterion.

Eligibility Criteria

• Gender: Women and transgender persons
• Residency: Must be a resident of Karnataka (Aadhaar address in Karnataka)
• ID Proof: Must carry Aadhaar card or Shakti Smart Card (once issued) while travelling
• No income limit: The scheme is universal — available to all women regardless of income
• No age limit: Women of all ages can avail the benefit. Minor girls can travel with a guardian's Aadhaar

Note: Men, including senior citizens and students, are not eligible under this scheme. Check the Gruha Lakshmi scheme for another women-centric Karnataka benefit.

Which Buses Are Covered?

The Shakti scheme covers all non-AC (ordinary) services operated by Karnataka's four state road transport corporations:

What's NOT Covered

• ❌ AC buses (Airavat, Airavat Club Class, Flybus, AC Sleeper)
• ❌ Premium/luxury services (Ambari, Corona)
• ❌ Reserved/booked tickets on KSRTC online booking
• ❌ Private buses — only government-run state transport buses
• ❌ Interstate services — only routes within Karnataka
• ❌ BMTC Vajra (AC) buses — not covered under Shakti
• ❌ Namma Metro — not covered currently (metro integration coming in 2026)

How to Get the Shakti Smart Card

Documents Required

1. Aadhaar Card (with Karnataka address) — How to update Aadhaar address
2. Recent passport-size photograph
3. Mobile number linked to Aadhaar

Application Process

There are two ways to apply for the Shakti Smart Card — at a bus depot (walk-in) or online through the Seva Sindhu portal.

Option 1: At the Bus Depot (Walk-in) — Recommended

This is the fastest method and most women prefer it because the card can be issued on the spot.

1. Visit your nearest KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, or NEKRTC bus depot/station
2. Go to the Shakti Card counter (dedicated counters are available at major depots)
3. Fill in the application form
4. Submit your Aadhaar card copy and photograph
5. Biometric verification (fingerprint/iris scan) is done on the spot
6. The Shakti Smart Card is issued immediately or within a few days

Tip: Major bus stations like Majestic (Kempegowda Bus Station), Shivajinagar, and district bus stands have dedicated Shakti counters with shorter wait times on weekdays.

Option 2: Online via Seva Sindhu Portal

1. Visit sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in
2. Register/login with your mobile number and OTP
3. Search for "Shakti Smart Card" in the services section
4. Fill in the application form with personal details (name, age, address as per Aadhaar)
5. Upload scanned copy of Aadhaar card and passport-size photograph
6. Submit the application and note down the application reference number
7. You will receive an SMS confirmation on your registered mobile
8. Collect the card from the designated depot mentioned during application

Cost: The Shakti Smart Card is issued free of charge. No fees are required at any stage.

Online vs Offline Application — Which Is Better?

Our recommendation: If you live near a bus depot, the walk-in method is faster and simpler. Online is best for women in remote areas or those who find it difficult to visit a depot during working hours.

BMTC Smart Card for Ladies — Bengaluru Women

For women in Bengaluru, the BMTC Shakti Smart Card works the same way as the general Shakti card but is specifically issued through BMTC depots.

How to Apply for BMTC Shakti Card

1. Visit any BMTC bus depot in Bengaluru (Shantinagar, Jayanagar, Yeshwanthpur, Kengeri, etc.)
2. Carry your Aadhaar card with Bengaluru/Karnataka address
3. Fill in the form at the Shakti card counter
4. Complete biometric verification
5. Card is issued on the spot or within 2–3 working days

BMTC helpline: You can call BMTC customer care at the numbers listed on mybmtc.com for depot locations and timing.

The BMTC Shakti card works on all BMTC ordinary (non-AC) buses across Bengaluru. It does not work on Vajra (AC) buses.

How to Track Your Shakti Card Application Status

If you applied online through Seva Sindhu:

1. Visit sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in
2. Click on "Track Application Status" or "Know Your Application Status"
3. Enter your application reference number (received via SMS at the time of submission)
4. Your current application status will be displayed

If you applied at a bus depot:

• Ask at the same counter where you submitted the application
• Carry your Aadhaar card for reference
• Most depot applications are processed within 2–3 working days

Upcoming Shakti Smart Card Upgrade (2026)

In February 2026, the Karnataka Cabinet approved a major upgrade to the Shakti Smart Card system:

• New smart cards will be issued with electronic chip technology
• The card will integrate with Namma Metro as a National Common Mobility Card (NCMC)
• Women can use the same card for free bus travel and pay for Metro rides by recharging the card
• The new card will replace the current Aadhaar-based verification system — conductors will swipe the card on ETMs instead of manually checking Aadhaar
• Cards will be issued through both online and offline modes via citizen service facilitation centres
• Rollout is expected by mid-2026 (within 4–5 months of Feb 2026 announcement)

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy confirmed that all four transport corporations now have the digital machinery required. The tender process will begin soon.

What this means for you: If you already have a Shakti card, you may need to upgrade to the new smart card once it launches. Keep checking official KSRTC/BMTC websites for announcements.

How to Use the Shakti Card

Using the Shakti card for free travel is simple:

1. Board any non-AC government bus (KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, or NEKRTC)
2. Show your Shakti Smart Card (or Aadhaar card, until new smart cards are rolled out) to the conductor
3. The conductor will swipe/tap your card on the Electronic Ticketing Machine (ETM)
4. A free ticket is generated — keep it until you deboard
5. No cash payment is required for the journey

Important Rules

• 🪪 You must carry the Shakti card or Aadhaar every time you travel — no ID, no free travel
• 🚌 The benefit is non-transferable — only the registered woman can use it
• 🎫 You must collect the ticket from the conductor even though the ride is free
• 📍 Valid only for travel within Karnataka on eligible bus services
• 🔄 The card can be used for unlimited trips — there is no daily or monthly cap

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: Conductor refuses free travel even with valid ID

Solution: Ensure your Aadhaar clearly shows a Karnataka address. If the conductor still refuses, note the bus number, route, and time, and file a complaint at the bus depot or via the KSRTC/BMTC website.

Problem: Aadhaar address is not from Karnataka

Solution: You must update your Aadhaar address to a Karnataka address first. Visit the nearest Aadhaar centre or apply online at uidai.gov.in. See our Aadhaar guide for step-by-step instructions.

Problem: Long queue at the Shakti card counter

Solution: Visit on weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) to avoid crowds. Avoid month-end dates. Major depots like Majestic tend to be busier — try smaller depots near your area.

Problem: Biometric verification fails at the depot

Solution: This can happen if your fingerprints are worn or unclear. Request iris scan as an alternative. If the machine is down, ask the staff for a later appointment.

Problem: Lost or damaged Shakti Smart Card

Solution: Visit the nearest bus depot with your Aadhaar card. You can apply for a duplicate card at the Shakti counter. Until the replacement is ready, you can continue travelling by showing your Aadhaar card.

Problem: Seva Sindhu portal not showing Shakti Card service

Solution: The online option may not be available at all times due to portal updates. Try again after a few hours, or apply at a bus depot instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for the Shakti Smart Card online?

Visit sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in, register with your mobile number, search for "Shakti Smart Card", fill the form, upload Aadhaar and photo, and submit. Collect the card from the designated depot.

Is the Shakti card available for BMTC buses?

Yes. The Shakti scheme covers all BMTC ordinary (non-AC) buses in Bengaluru. You can apply for the card at any BMTC depot.

What are the Shakti scheme eligibility criteria?

Any woman or transgender person who is a resident of Karnataka (Aadhaar with Karnataka address) is eligible. There is no income limit, age limit, or caste restriction.

Is there an age limit for the Shakti card?

No. Women of all ages can apply. Minor girls can also get the card with guardian details.

Can I use the Shakti card on Volvo/AC buses?

No. The scheme covers only non-AC ordinary services. For AC and premium buses, you must purchase a regular ticket.

I don't have a Karnataka Aadhaar address. Can I still apply?

No. Your Aadhaar must have a Karnataka address. If you've recently moved, update your Aadhaar address first.

Can I use the card on BMTC Vajra (AC) buses?

No. BMTC Vajra services are AC buses and are not covered under Shakti.

What if I lose my Shakti card?

Visit the nearest bus depot with your Aadhaar card to apply for a duplicate card. Until the new card is ready, you can travel using your Aadhaar.

Can I use the Shakti card for interstate travel (e.g., Bengaluru to Chennai)?

No. The card is valid only for routes within Karnataka.

Will the Shakti card work on Namma Metro?

Not yet, but the Karnataka government has approved new smart cards with Namma Metro integration (NCMC). Once launched (expected mid-2026), you can recharge the same card for Metro rides, though Metro travel won't be free.

How many trips can I take per day?

There is no limit. You can take unlimited trips on any eligible bus service.

Is there a helpline for Shakti scheme queries?

You can contact your nearest bus depot or reach out via the official websites: ksrtc.in for KSRTC and mybmtc.com for BMTC queries.

Key Highlights at a Glance

Useful Links

• KSRTC Official Website: www.ksrtc.in
• BMTC Official Website: www.mybmtc.com
• Seva Sindhu Portal: sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in — See our complete Seva Sindhu guide for detailed usage instructions
• Namma Metro: english.nammametro.gov.in

Last updated: 21 February 2026. Information is based on the latest available government guidelines. Rules and processes may change — always verify at your nearest bus depot or official website.

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