Karnataka Free Bus Smart Card – Step-by-Step Application Guide (Women & Students)

Karnataka Government has introduced free bus travel benefits under schemes like Shakti Scheme. To travel smoothly without standing in ticket queues every time, eligible passengers can apply for a Free Smart Card (Bus Pass / Shakti Smart Card).

This article explains eligibility, documents required, and how to apply online and offline in simple words.

 What is Karnataka Free Bus Smart Card?

The Free Bus Smart Card is a government-issued travel card that allows eligible passengers (mainly women residents of Karnataka) to travel free in non-luxury KSRTC buses across the state.

It works like a digital pass. Instead of taking a ticket every time, you just show the card.

The scheme is implemented through Karnataka State Road Transport Corporations:

• Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation
• BMTC
• NWKRTC
• KKRTC

 Who is Eligible?

You can apply if:

✔ You are a woman resident of Karnataka
✔ You have a valid Aadhaar Card
✔ You have Karnataka address proof
✔ You travel in government non-luxury buses

Note: Free travel is available only in ordinary and express buses, not in AC, Volvo, Rajahamsa, or luxury buses.

 Documents Required

Keep these documents ready:

• Aadhaar Card
• Passport size photo
• Address proof (if Aadhaar address not updated)
• Mobile number linked with Aadhaar

 How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)

You can apply online through the official government portal.

Step 1:

Visit the official Karnataka Seva portal:
👉 Seva Sindhu

Step 2:

Click on Register (if new user)
Enter your mobile number and verify with OTP.

Step 3:

Login with your credentials.

Step 4:

Search for Shakti Smart Card / Free Bus Pass Service

Step 5:

Fill in:

• Name (as per Aadhaar)
• Address
• Aadhaar number
• District details

Step 6:

Upload required documents.

Step 7:

Submit the application and note the Application Reference Number.

 Offline Application Process

If you are not comfortable applying online:

1. Visit your nearest KSRTC / BMTC Bus Depot
2. Ask for Free Bus Smart Card form
3. Fill the form
4. Attach Aadhaar copy
5. Submit to counter

After verification, you will receive the smart card.

 Processing Time

Usually, it takes 7–15 days for approval.
You may receive SMS updates on your registered mobile number.

 Important Rules

• Carry original Aadhaar while traveling
• Free travel only within Karnataka
• Not valid for luxury buses
• Card misuse may lead to cancellation

 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Smart Card compulsory?

No. Women can show Aadhaar and get zero ticket. But Smart Card makes travel easier.

2. Is it available for men?

No. Free travel under Shakti scheme is only for women.

3. Can students apply?

Students have separate bus pass schemes through KSRTC.

Karnataka Free Bus Smart Card Apply Online – Step by Step Guide (2026)

If you want to apply for the Karnataka Free Bus Smart Card under the Shakti Scheme, this guide will help you complete the online application easily.

This smart card allows eligible women to travel free in government non-luxury buses across Karnataka.

 Step 1: Visit Official Website

Open the official Karnataka government service portal:

👉 Go to Seva Sindhu

Use Chrome browser on mobile or computer for smooth process.

 Step 2: Register (If New User)

1. Click on “Register Here”
2. Enter your:
   • Mobile number
   • Aadhaar number
3. Enter OTP sent to your mobile
4. Create password
5. Submit

If already registered, directly login.

 Step 3: Login to Account

1. Click Login
2. Enter:
   • Registered mobile number
   • Password
3. Enter captcha
4. Click Submit

 Step 4: Search for Service

After login:

1. In search box, type Shakti Smart Card
2. Select Free Bus Travel for Women – Shakti Scheme
3. Click Apply Now

 Step 5: Fill Application Form

Enter details carefully:

• Full Name (as per Aadhaar)
• Aadhaar Number
• Date of Birth
• Complete Address
• District & Taluk
• Mobile Number

Make sure all details match Aadhaar exactly.

 Step 6: Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies:

• Aadhaar Card
• Passport size photo
• Address proof (if needed)

File size should be within limit (usually under 200KB).

 Step 7: Review & Submit

1. Check all entered details
2. Tick declaration box
3. Click Submit

You will receive an Application Reference Number.

Save or take screenshot.

 Step 8: Track Application Status

1. Go back to Seva Sindhu homepage
2. Click Track Application Status
3. Enter reference number
4. Check status

 Where is Card Valid?

Free travel available in buses operated by:

• Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation
• BMTC
• NWKRTC
• KKRTC

(Not valid for AC, Volvo, Rajahamsa buses)

 Processing Time

Approval usually takes 7 to 15 working days.

You will receive SMS notification once approved.

 Important Points

• Applicant must be Karnataka resident
• Aadhaar must be valid
• Free travel only for women
• Carry Aadhaar while traveling

Tell me which format you need 👍

Karnataka Free Bus Smart Card Online Application – Complete Detailed Guide (900+ Words)

The Karnataka Government launched the Shakti Scheme to provide free bus travel for women across the state. Under this scheme, eligible women can travel free in government non-luxury buses operated by state transport corporations.

To make travel easier and smoother, the government provides a Free Smart Card / Shakti Smart Card, which helps women travel without repeatedly showing Aadhaar or collecting zero-value tickets every time.

This article explains eligibility, benefits, documents required, online application process, approval time, rules, and important FAQs in complete detail.

What is Karnataka Free Bus Smart Card?

The Free Bus Smart Card is an official travel card issued under the Shakti Scheme. It allows eligible women residents of Karnataka to travel free in government buses within the state.

Instead of standing in queue for tickets daily, the smart card works as a digital identity for free travel. Conductors verify the card and issue a zero-fare ticket.

The scheme is implemented by:

• Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation
• BMTC
• NWKRTC
• KKRTC

Free travel is allowed only in non-luxury buses like Ordinary and Express services.

Who is Eligible?

To apply for the smart card, you must meet the following conditions:

1. Applicant must be a woman.
2. Must be a permanent resident of Karnataka.
3. Must have a valid Aadhaar card.
4. Aadhaar must show Karnataka address (or provide valid address proof).
5. Must have a mobile number linked to Aadhaar.

Note: Free travel is available only within Karnataka state boundaries.

Documents Required

Before applying online, keep these documents ready:

• Aadhaar Card (mandatory)
• Passport size photograph (recent)
• Address proof (if Aadhaar address differs)
• Mobile number for OTP verification

Make sure scanned documents are clear and within file size limits (usually under 200KB).

Step-by-Step Online Application Process

Applications are submitted through the official Karnataka government portal:

👉 Seva Sindhu

Follow the detailed steps below:

Step 1: Visit Official Portal

Open Seva Sindhu website using Chrome browser on mobile or desktop for better compatibility.

Step 2: User Registration

If you are a new user:

• Click on “Register”
• Enter mobile number
• Enter Aadhaar number
• Receive OTP
• Verify OTP
• Create password
• Complete registration

If already registered, simply login.

Step 3: Login to Dashboard

• Enter mobile number
• Enter password
• Enter captcha
• Click Submit

You will enter your personal dashboard.

Step 4: Search for Shakti Service

Inside dashboard:

• Use search bar
• Type “Shakti Scheme” or “Free Bus Travel”
• Select the relevant service
• Click “Apply Now”

Step 5: Fill Application Form Carefully

Enter details exactly as per Aadhaar:

• Full Name
• Date of Birth
• Aadhaar Number
• Full Address
• District
• Taluk
• PIN Code
• Mobile Number

Make sure there are no spelling mistakes. Even small errors may delay approval.

Step 6: Upload Documents

Upload:

• Aadhaar Card copy
• Passport size photo
• Address proof (if required)

Ensure files are clear and readable.

Step 7: Final Review & Submit

Before submitting:

• Double-check all information
• Tick declaration checkbox
• Click Submit

After submission, you will receive an Application Reference Number. Save it for tracking.

How to Track Application Status

1. Visit Seva Sindhu homepage
2. Click “Track Application Status”
3. Enter Application Reference Number
4. View current status

Status may show:

• Submitted
• Under Verification
• Approved
• Rejected (with reason)

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Processing Time

Usually, approval takes 7 to 15 working days.

In some cases, it may take longer depending on district verification process.

You will receive SMS updates on your registered mobile number.

Where is Smart Card Valid?

The card is valid in buses operated by:

• KSRTC
• BMTC
• NWKRTC
• KKRTC

Free travel is available in:

• Ordinary buses
• Express buses

Not valid in:

• Volvo buses
• AC buses
• Rajahamsa
• Airavat
• Sleeper services

Important Rules to Remember

1. Carry Aadhaar along with smart card.
2. Free travel is only for women.
3. Valid only within Karnataka state.
4. Misuse of card may lead to cancellation.
5. Card is non-transferable.

What If You Don’t Have Smart Card?

Women can still travel free by showing Aadhaar card. The conductor will issue a zero-value ticket.

However, Smart Card makes the process faster and more convenient.

Common Reasons for Application Rejection

• Aadhaar details mismatch
• Blurred document uploads
• Incorrect address
• Mobile number not linked
• Incomplete form

Always verify details before submitting.

Offline Application Option

If you cannot apply online:

1. Visit nearest KSRTC or BMTC depot
2. Request Shakti Smart Card form
3. Fill form manually
4. Attach Aadhaar copy
5. Submit at counter

Card will be processed after verification.

Benefits of Smart Card

• No daily ticket verification issues
• Faster boarding
• Government recognized ID for scheme
• Safe and convenient
• No paperwork during travel

Click Hear to Apply

The Karnataka Free Bus Smart Card under Shakti Scheme is one of the biggest women empowerment initiatives in Karnataka. It helps women travel safely and independently without financial burden.

If you are eligible, apply today through Seva Sindhu portal and enjoy free travel benefits across Karnataka.

Tell me what you need next, Vinay 👍

The Karnataka Free Bus Smart Card under Shakti Scheme is a great initiative for women empowerment. If you are eligible, apply today through Seva Sindhu portal or visit your nearest depot.