Shakti Scheme (Free Bus Travel for Women)
Free travel for women on Karnataka's state-run buses
Government
State Government
Who it’s for
All Women & Transgender Persons
Application mode
Direct at bus counter (no registration)
Processing time
Immediate — free ticket/pass issued on the spot.
Deadline / renewal
No deadline — ongoing scheme, usable on every eligible bus trip.
What it provides
Free travel for women in state-run (KSRTC/BMTC/NWKRTC/NEKRTC) ordinary and express buses within Karnataka, to improve women's mobility and access to work/education.
Benefits breakdown
Who’s eligible
All women and transgender persons, resident or non-resident, travelling within Karnataka on non-luxury state transport buses.
Documents required
- Any government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.) to obtain the Shakti Smart Card or a free ticket at the counter
How to apply
In-person / offline
- Approach the bus conductor or counter and show any government photo ID
- Request a free Shakti travel pass/ticket for your route
- No advance registration or online application is required for one-time travel; a Shakti Smart Card can be obtained for repeated travel
Helpline
Contact KSRTC customer care via ksrtc.karnataka.gov.in
FAQs
Does this apply on luxury/Volvo buses?
No — the free travel benefit applies to ordinary and express (non-luxury) buses; AC/Volvo/luxury services are typically excluded.
Last verified 31 August 2026