Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.
| Scheme | Shakti free bus travel for women |
|---|---|
| Department | Transport Department, Government of Karnataka |
| Benefit | Free travel on eligible state bus services within Karnataka |
| Who can apply | Women who are domiciled in Karnataka |
| How it works | Zero-fare ticket at first, then a Shakti smartcard |
| Apply at | sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in |
| Cost to apply | Free |
Key points
- Free travel is only on buses within Karnataka.
- Luxury buses are not covered by the scheme.
- For the first three months, a government photo ID and address proof are enough.
- After that, you need a Shakti smartcard from Seva Sindhu.
So what exactly does a woman get?
Women who qualify can travel for free on eligible state bus services within Karnataka.
The scheme covers the state's road transport corporations, including KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC.
Ordinary city, village, and inter-district services are part of the scheme. Examples include Nagara Sarige, Gramantara Sarige, Karnataka Sarige and Bengaluru Sarige.
Amounts and rules can change, so please confirm the current details on the official site.
Who can apply, and who cannot?
The scheme is only for women who are domiciled in Karnataka. That means you must live in the state and have proof of address here.
Travel is free only within Karnataka. A bus going to another state is not covered, even if part of the journey is inside Karnataka.
Some luxury and premium buses are excluded. These include Rajahamsa, Airavat, Ambaari, Flybus, EV Power Plus+ and Bengaluru Darshini services, among others.
Women from other states, and women travelling only on excluded buses, will need to buy a ticket.
Why was this scheme started, and what has changed?
The Shakti scheme was announced by the Karnataka government on 2 June 2023. It started on 11 June 2023.
It is run through the state transport system and the Seva Sindhu portal. The aim is to make everyday travel easier and cheaper for women.
Rules for eligible services and smartcards may be updated, so check the official site before you travel.
What documents should you keep ready?
Keep a government-issued photo identity card, such as an Aadhaar card or voter ID.
Keep an address proof that shows you live in Karnataka.
For the smartcard application, keep a mobile number that is active, because the portal will send updates to it.
How do you apply online, step by step?
Go to sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in and look for the Shakti scheme or smartcard application.
Fill in your personal details, your address, and your mobile number.
Upload the required documents and submit the form.
Keep the application number, because you will need it to check progress.
- 1Open the Seva Sindhu portalGo to sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in and look for the Shakti scheme or smartcard application.
- 2Fill in your detailsEnter your personal details, your address, and your active mobile number.
- 3Upload documents and submitUpload the required documents, then submit the form.
- 4Keep the application numberSave it, because you will need it to check your application's progress.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
What about applying offline?
If you find the online process hard, you can visit a Seva Sindhu centre or an authorised government service counter in your area.
Staff there can help you fill in the form and upload documents.
Confirm the nearest centre on the official site before you visit.
How do you check status, and what if there is a problem?
Use the application number to check the status on the Seva Sindhu portal.
If your card is not issued or a bus conductor refuses a zero-fare ticket, keep a note of the bus number, route and time.
Report the issue to the transport corporation's customer office or the helpline listed on the official site.
What are some important tips?
Never pay an agent to get a Shakti smartcard. The application is meant to be free through official channels.
Be careful of messages or calls asking for your OTP or bank details. Government staff will never ask for your OTP.
Always check whether your bus is on the eligible list before boarding.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Shakti scheme free for all women?
No. It is only for women who are domiciled in Karnataka and who travel on eligible state buses within the state.
Can I travel free to another state?
No. Free travel applies only to bus services within Karnataka, even if the bus passes through a border area.
Do I need a smartcard from the start?
No. For the first three months, a government photo ID and address proof are enough for a zero-fare ticket.
Which application portal should I use?
Use the official Seva Sindhu portal at sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in to apply for the Shakti smartcard.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Applying through the official portal or centre should be free. Do not pay any agent.
Official links
This guide is based on official scheme rules. Rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply. News Anek is not a government website.
