KSRTC Free Bus Pass Scheme for Women in Karnataka (ksrtc pass Shakti Scheme) – Full Guide

Introduction

The Karnataka state government has always been at the forefront of launching welfare schemes for its citizens, especially for women. One such initiative is the KSRTC Free Bus Pass Scheme for Women, also known as the Shakti Yojana. Introduced in 2023, this scheme allows women to travel free of cost on government-run buses across the state, helping empower them socially and economically.

2. What is the Shakti Scheme?

The Shakti Scheme is a free bus travel program launched by the Karnataka government, providing free-of-cost public transportation to all women residing in the state. It is applicable on non-premium KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and NEKRTC buses.

The main goal of this scheme is to enhance mobility for women, reduce their transportation burden, and enable them to access education, jobs, and healthcare facilities without financial constraints.

3. Objectives of the Scheme

To promote gender equality and women’s empowerment
To reduce the financial burden of commuting on women and families
To support women’s participation in the workforce
To ensure safe and reliable transportation
To increase accessibility to public services

4. Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Shakti Free Bus Pass Scheme, applicants must:

Be a resident of Karnataka
Identify as female
Have a valid Aadhaar Card linked with Karnataka address
Be aged above 6 years (children below 6 usually travel free)

Note: There is no income limit to avail the scheme.

5. Documents Required

Applicants need to submit or upload the following documents:

Aadhaar Card (with Karnataka address)
Recent passport-sized photograph
Mobile number linked with Aadhaar
Address proof (Ration Card / Voter ID if Aadhaar address is outdated)
Category certificate (if claiming specific benefits)

6. How to Apply for the KSRTC Free Bus Pass (Shakti Smart Card)

While the scheme started immediately after announcement, the smart card application process was later initiated via the Seva Sindhu portal. Until the smart card is received, women can travel by showing their Aadhaar card.

7. Step-by-Step Online Application Process

You can apply for your Shakti Smart Card online in these simple steps:

Step 1: Visit Seva Sindhu Portal

Go to https://sevasindhugs.karnataka.gov.in

Step 2: Login or Register

Step 3: Navigate to ‘KSRTC/BMTC Free Bus Pass for Women’

Click on the “Apply for Shakti Scheme” or search for the KSRTC Women’s Free Bus Pass option.

Step 4: Fill the Application Form

Enter:

Name, Date of Birth
Aadhaar number
Address
Upload photo and Aadhaar
Select the transport corporation (KSRTC, BMTC, etc.)

Step 5: Submit and Acknowledge

Submit the form and note the acknowledgement number for tracking status.

Step 6: Wait for Approval and Smart Card Dispatch

Once verified, the smart card will be dispatched to your registered address.

8. Bus Services Covered under the Scheme

The following buses are covered under the Shakti Scheme:

KSRTC: Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation
BMTC: Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation
NWKRTC: North-Western Karnataka RTC
NEKRTC: North Eastern Karnataka RTC

These buses must be non-premium, meaning:

✅ Ordinary
✅ City services
✅ Suburban routes

Excluded buses:

❌ Rajahamsa
❌ Vajra (Volvo)
❌ Airavat / AC services
❌ Flybus or Sleeper coaches

9. Routes and Distance Limits

The scheme is valid only within Karnataka’s borders.
Women can travel inter-district or intra-city without any fare.
For interstate buses, regular fare applies.
Seat reservation for long-distance is 50% reserved for men.

10. Benefits of the Scheme

Zero fare travel for lakhs of women
Encourages education and employment opportunities
Saves monthly expenses for working women and students
Ensures safe and monitored travel options
Boosts public transport use, reducing traffic and pollution

11. Exemptions and Limitations

Not valid for premium buses or luxury coaches
Pass can only be used by the registered person
Smart card must be presented during travel (temporary Aadhaar until then)
Valid only within Karnataka

12. Validity and Renewal

Smart card is valid for 1 year initially
Annual renewal can be done on the Seva Sindhu portal
No charges apply for renewal

13. Challenges and Implementation Issues

Some early hurdles faced:

Delay in smart card issuance
Overcrowding in buses
Revenue concerns from KSRTC due to reduced fare collections
Need for strict identity verification to prevent misuse

The government has since streamlined card printing and staff training to improve efficiency.

14. Recent Updates (As of 2025)

Over 2 crore women have availed the scheme
Smart cards issued to over 70% applicants
State government allocated an additional ₹3,000 crore for FY 2025–26
Discussions underway to include college-going boys under limited free passes

15. Impact on Women and Society

The Shakti Scheme has:

Increased women’s attendance in colleges and workplaces
Helped rural women access markets and healthcare
Reduced gender inequality in mobility
Improved personal savings for women-headed households
Built trust in government transport services

16. Role of KSRTC, NWKRTC, NEKRTC, and BMTC

All major government bus corporations are jointly implementing the scheme:

KSRTC handles inter-district and rural buses
BMTC manages city transport in Bengaluru
NWKRTC & NEKRTC operate in Northern and Northeastern Karnataka

Staff are trained to assist female passengers under this scheme.

17. Government Budget Allocation and Costs

The initial allocation was ₹2,000 crore
For FY 2025–26, ₹3,000+ crore has been earmarked
Daily travel by women exceeds 35 lakh trips
Cost per passenger reimbursed to bus corporations

18. Public Feedback and Reception

Majority of users, especially students and daily wage workers, welcomed the scheme
Private operators have raised concerns about reduced passengers
Activists hailed it as a progressive step for gender inclusion
Some male passengers felt seat availability dropped marginally

19. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use the Shakti card in BMTC Volvo buses?
No, only non-premium BMTC buses are covered.

Q2: Can I use someone else’s pass?
No, the pass is non-transferable.

Q3: What if my smart card is delayed?
Use Aadhaar card temporarily for free travel.

Q4: Can women from other states use this scheme?
Only Karnataka residents are eligible.

Q5: Is there an offline application process?
No, the application is fully online via Seva Sindhu.

Apply Now

The KSRTC Free Bus Pass Scheme for Women (Shakti Yojana) is a landmark step in Karnataka’s efforts to build an inclusive society. By offering free travel, the government has empowered lakhs of women across socio-economic backgrounds. While logistical challenges exist, the scheme continues to evolve and positively impact the lives of millions. Karnataka’s model could soon become a blueprint for other Indian states aiming at gender-focused mobility solutions.

KSRTC Free Bus Pass Scheme for Women in Karnataka (krtc pass Shakti Scheme) – Full Guide