Karnataka Shakti Scheme 2025: Free Bus Travel for Women
Good news for women in Karnataka! The Karnataka Shakti Scheme 2025 lets women and transgender people travel free on state-run buses inside Karnataka. This scheme started on June 11, 2024, and aims to make travel easier and cheaper for women all over the state.
The free bus travel under this scheme is available on buses run by Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC). Keep in mind, some bus services like Rajahamsa, Airavat series, Vajra, and sleeper buses are not part of this scheme.
Main Features of Karnataka Shakti Scheme 2025
- Women and transgender residents of Karnataka can travel free on most government buses within the state.
- Half of the seats on these buses are reserved for men to keep a balance.
- You can use your existing government ID until you get the official Shakti Smart Card.
- The scheme helps lower transport costs, making it easier for women to access education, work, and healthcare.
Main Benefits of the Karnataka Shakti Scheme
- Free bus rides give women more independence to travel around the state.
- It lowers transport expenses, helping women save money for important things like education and healthcare.
- The scheme encourages more women to join the workforce by removing travel cost obstacles.
- It promotes gender equality and social inclusion, helping over 41 lakh women every day.
Who Can Apply for Karnataka Shakti Scheme
- You must be a resident of Karnataka.
- Women and transgender individuals are eligible.
How to Apply for the Shakti Smart Card
- Go to the official Seva Sindhu portal.
- If you are new, register on the portal first.
- After registering, log in using your details.
- Find the “Apply for Shakti Smart Card” option and fill out the form with your information.
- Submit the application and wait for your smart card to arrive.
Updates on the Scheme
- Since August 2024, the Karnataka government has been reimbursing transport corporations for free rides under the scheme, based on distance traveled and usage.
- The scheme is expected to cost the state around Rs 4,051.56 crore each year.
Buses Included and Excluded from the Scheme
Buses Allowed for Free Travel
- Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC)
- Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC)
- North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC)
- Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC)
Buses Not Covered by the Scheme
- Rajahamsa
- Non-AC sleeper buses
- Vajra and Vayu Vajra buses
- Airavat series including Airavat Club Class and Airavat Gold Class
- Ambari, Ambari Dream Class, and Ambari Utsav Fly Bus
- EV Power Plus
About Karnataka Shakti Scheme
The scheme was started by the Karnataka government to support women by offering free bus travel on state-run buses inside Karnataka. It’s part of a bigger plan to help women and make it easier for them to access education, jobs, healthcare, and other important activities.
Visit the Seva Sindhu portal to apply for the Shakti Smart Card and enjoy free bus rides under this scheme. Remember, this service is only for travel within Karnataka, not outside the state.
Enjoy easier and affordable travel with the Karnataka Shakti Scheme 2025, making your daily travel more convenient and empowering.