The Shakti Scheme gives free bus travel to all women and transgender persons in Karnataka on state-run buses (KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, KKRTC). Right now, you can travel free by simply showing your Aadhaar card (with a Karnataka address) to the conductor to get a zero-value ticket; no card is needed yet. The government has approved a new Shakti Smart Card (an NCMC card with metro access) that is rolling out in phases through mid-2026. When it is available in your area, you can apply online through the Seva Sindhu portal or offline at any bus depot with your Aadhaar and a photo.
What is the Shakti Scheme in Karnataka?
The Shakti Scheme, also known as the Shakti Yojana, is a welfare scheme launched by the Karnataka Government. Under this scheme, eligible women can travel free of cost on selected state-run buses across Karnataka. It is one of the five guarantee schemes of the state and was launched on 11 June 2023 by the Chief Minister.
Under this scheme, women, girl students, and transgender persons can travel free of cost in buses run by the four state transport corporations:
- KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation)
- BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation)
- NWKRTC (North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation)
- KKRTC (Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation)
The scheme has become hugely popular. By around mid-2026, women had taken over 760 crore free bus journeys, saving thousands of crores in travel costs. The aim is simple to help women travel freely for work, education, healthcare, and daily needs, and to make them more independent.
What is the Shakti Smart Card?
The Shakti Smart Card is a special travel card for women under the Shakti Scheme. It works like a tap-and-go card instead of showing your Aadhaar and getting a printed ticket every time, the conductor simply swipes the card on the ticket machine (ETM).
The new Shakti Smart Card is based on the NCMC (National Common Mobility Card) system. This means it is designed to work not just on buses but also with Namma Metro in the future, giving women smooth access across different transport services.
Shakti Scheme Overview Table 2026
Here is a table that answers the most common questions.
| Detail | Information |
| Scheme Name | Shakti Scheme (Shakti Yojana) |
| State | Karnataka |
| Launched On | 11 June 2023 |
| Benefit | Free bus travel for women on state-run buses |
| Covered Corporations | KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, KKRTC |
| Who Is Eligible | Women & transgender persons with Karnataka domicile |
| Current Travel Proof | Aadhaar card (zero-value ticket) |
| New Smart Card | NCMC-based Shakti Smart Card (metro-ready) |
| Smart Card Rollout | Phased, expected through mid-2026 |
| Apply (Smart Card) | Online via Seva Sindhu / Offline at bus depot |
| Helpline Number | 1902 / 1800-425-9339 |
Shakti Smart Card 2026 Latest Update
In February 2026, the Karnataka Cabinet approved a new NCMC-based Shakti Smart Card system with Namma Metro integration.
Key points about the new card:
- The card will replace the current Aadhaar-checking system — conductors will swipe the card on ETM machines instead of manually verifying Aadhaar.
- It will be issued through both online and offline modes (Seva Sindhu portal and citizen service / depot counters).
- The rollout is happening in phases and is expected across the state by mid-2026.
- All four transport corporations now have the digital machinery required for the card.
Until the smart card reaches your area, you do not need to wait. You can keep travelling free by showing your Aadhaar card to the conductor. The smart card is only an upgrade for convenience.
Shakti Smart Card Eligibility 2026 (Who Can Apply?)
You are eligible if:
- You are a woman or a transgender person.
- You are a resident (domicile) of Karnataka your Aadhaar must show a Karnataka address.
- Girls aged 6 years and above can also travel free. Younger minor girls can travel using a guardian’s Aadhaar.
There is no income limit, no age limit, and no caste restriction. Any woman with a Karnataka address can benefit, whether she is a student, a working woman, a homemaker, or a senior citizen.
Who is Not Eligible for the Shakti Scheme?
It is also important to know who cannot use this scheme:
- Men are not eligible ; this includes male senior citizens and male students.
- Women without a Karnataka address on their Aadhaar are not eligible. (If you recently moved to Karnataka, update your Aadhaar address first.)
- The free travel is only within Karnataka — you cannot travel free to other states.
So the scheme is meant strictly for women and transgender persons who are residents of Karnataka.
Documents Required for Shakti Smart Card
Before you apply, keep these documents ready.
- Aadhaar Card with a Karnataka address (mandatory)
- Recent passport-size photograph (white background, clear face)
- Mobile number linked to Aadhaar (for OTP verification)
- Ration Card (optional — for extra address proof)
- Existing bus pass, if any (only if you are switching to the smart card)
Make sure your name and address match on your Aadhaar and your application. If your Aadhaar shows another state’s address, get it updated to a Karnataka address before applying.
How to Apply for Shakti Smart Card Online (Seva Sindhu Portal)
When the smart card option is active in your area, this is the easiest way to apply. Follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: Visit the official Seva Sindhu portal (sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in ).
- Step 2: Register as a new user or log in using your mobile number and OTP.
- Step 3: Search for “Apply for Shakti Smart Card” (you can also try searching “Shakti” or “Free bus” or “Women bus pass”).
- Step 4: Open the application form and fill in your personal details carefully.
- Step 5: Upload the required documents your Aadhaar card and passport-size photo, if prompted.
- Step 6: Check all details and click Submit.
- Step 7: Note down your application/reference number to track your status later.
- Step 8: Collect your card from the designated depot once it is ready.
How to Apply for Shakti Smart Card Offline (Bus Depot)
If the online option is not available in your district yet, or you prefer in-person help, you can apply offline. This is often the fastest way because the card can sometimes be issued quickly. Follow these steps:
- Visit your nearest bus depot (for example, BMTC depots in Bengaluru like Shantinagar, Jayanagar, Yeshwanthpur, or Kengeri).
- Go to the Shakti counter and ask for the Shakti Smart Card application form.
- Carry your Aadhaar card (with Karnataka address) and a passport-size photo.
- Fill in the form and submit it with your documents.
- The card may be issued on the spot or within about 7 to 10 days.
Until your card is ready, you can continue travelling free by showing your Aadhaar.
How to Travel Free Without a Shakti Smart Card (Aadhaar Method)
This is the method most women use right now, and it works immediately with no registration. Here is how:
- Board any eligible KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, or KKRTC bus.
- Show your Aadhaar card (or any government photo ID with a Karnataka address) to the conductor.
- The conductor will issue you a zero-value ticket (a free ticket as travel proof).
- No fare will be charged.
There is no limit on the number of free journeys you can take. So even without the smart card, you can enjoy free travel today. The card simply makes it faster later.
Which Buses Are Free Under the Shakti Scheme?
The Shakti Scheme covers ordinary (non-AC) and express buses, which make up about 94% of all bus schedules in the state.
Buses where travel is FREE for women:
- Ordinary / city buses
- Express (non-AC) buses
- Services of KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC (within Karnataka)
Buses where travel is NOT free (you must buy a ticket):
- AC buses such as Airavat, Airavat Club Class, Ambari, Ambari Dream Class
- Vajra and Vayu Vajra (AC) buses
- Rajahamsa, non-AC sleeper, AC sleeper, Fly Bus, EV Power Class
Shakti Scheme Benefits 2026: Why It Matters
The Shakti Scheme is more than just a free travel program. It provides several benefits that improve the daily lives of women. Here are the main advantages:
- Free, unlimited travel on non-AC and express state buses within Karnataka.
- Big savings on daily transport costs for work, college, and other needs.
- More independence for women to travel safely on their own.
- Better access to education, jobs, and healthcare, especially for rural women.
- A zero-value ticket as simple proof of free travel.
- With the new Shakti Smart Card, faster boarding and future metro access.
New 2026 Rule: Your Name Must Be in the Voter List
Here is an important new rule for 2026 that every beneficiary should know. The Karnataka Government has linked guarantee scheme benefits, including Shakti, to the voter list (electoral roll).
This means that to keep getting free travel, your name should be present in the Karnataka electoral roll. With the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the government has asked beneficiaries to make sure their names are not removed during this process.
Check the Karnataka voter list and confirm your name is there. If your name is missing or about to be removed, get it corrected so your free travel benefit continues without any problem.
How to Check Shakti Smart Card Application Status
After you apply for the smart card, you can track it in these ways:
- Online: Log in to the Seva Sindhu portal and check your application status using your reference number.
- At the depot: Visit the Shakti counter at the bus depot where you applied and give your acknowledgement slip or reference number.
- Helpline: Call the KSRTC helpline (1800-425-5955) or BMTC helpline (1800-425-1663) for status updates.
If your card is not ready yet, do not worry keep travelling free with your Aadhaar in the meantime.
Common Shakti Smart Card Problems and Solutions
Here are the common issues women face, with easy fixes:
- “Mobile number already registered” error: Your number may already be linked to an account. Try logging in instead of registering again, or use the offline depot method.
- Shakti option not found on the portal: Search for “Shakti”, “Free bus”, or “Women bus pass”. If it still does not appear, the online option for your district may not have launched yet — use the offline depot method.
- Aadhaar shows another state’s address: Update your Aadhaar to a Karnataka address first, then apply.
- Lost or damaged card: Visit the nearest depot to apply for a duplicate card, and use your Aadhaar to travel until the new card arrives.
- Conductor asks for fare: This is against the rules. Note the bus details and file a complaint on the helpline immediately. Transgender persons are also fully eligible and must not be denied.
Shakti Scheme Helpline Number
If you face any problem, you can contact the official helpline numbers:
- Shakti Scheme / Guarantee Schemes Helpline: 1902
- General Helpline: 1800-425-9339
- KSRTC Helpline: 1800-425-5955
- BMTC Helpline: 1800-425-1663
You can also visit your nearest bus depot Shakti counter for in-person help with applications, status, or complaints.
Conclusion
The Shakti Scheme continues to be one of Karnataka’s most loved welfare schemes, giving free bus travel to women and transgender persons across the state. Right now, you can travel free simply by showing your Aadhaar card and getting a zero-value ticket — no card needed.
The new NCMC-based Shakti Smart Card, approved in 2026, will make travel even smoother, with tap-and-go boarding and future metro access, and is rolling out in phases through mid-2026. When it reaches your area, you can apply easily online through Seva Sindhu or offline at a bus depot with your Aadhaar and a photo. Just remember the new rule keep your name in the voter list and your free travel benefit will continue without any break.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Shakti Scheme in Karnataka?
The Shakti Scheme is a Karnataka Government scheme that gives free bus travel to all women and transgender residents of the state on KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC buses. Women get a zero-value ticket as proof of free travel.
2. Is the Shakti Smart Card compulsory to travel free?
No. Right now the smart card is not compulsory. You can travel free by simply showing your Aadhaar card (with a Karnataka address) to the conductor. The smart card is only an upgrade for faster boarding.
3. How can I apply for the Shakti Smart Card online?
When the option is active, visit the Seva Sindhu portal (sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in), register or log in with your mobile number, search for “Shakti Smart Card”, fill the form, upload your Aadhaar and photo, submit, and note your reference number.
4. How can I apply for the Shakti Smart Card offline?
Visit your nearest bus depot, go to the Shakti counter, fill the application form, and submit it with your Aadhaar (Karnataka address) and a passport-size photo. The card may be issued on the spot or within about 7 to 10 days.
5. Who is eligible for the Shakti Scheme and Smart Card?
Any woman or transgender person who is a resident of Karnataka (with a Karnataka address on Aadhaar) is eligible. There is no income limit, no age limit, and no caste restriction. Girls aged 6 and above can also travel free.
6. Which buses are free under the Shakti Scheme?
Free travel applies to ordinary (non-AC) and express buses of KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC within Karnataka. AC and premium buses like Airavat, Vajra, Vayu Vajra, and AC sleepers are NOT free.
7. What documents are needed for the Shakti Smart Card?
You need your Aadhaar card with a Karnataka address (mandatory), a recent passport-size photo, and a mobile number linked to Aadhaar for OTP. A ration card is optional for extra address proof.
8. Can I travel free outside Karnataka under the Shakti Scheme?
No. The free travel benefit is valid only within Karnataka state limits on state-run buses. You cannot travel free to other states under this scheme.
9. Do men get free bus travel under the Shakti Scheme?
No. Men, including male senior citizens and male students, are not eligible. The scheme is only for women and transgender persons who are residents of Karnataka.
10. What is the new 2026 voter list rule for the Shakti Scheme?
From 2026, guarantee scheme benefits including Shakti are linked to the voter list. Your name should be in the Karnataka electoral roll, so check that it is not removed during the ongoing electoral roll revision.
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