With the new smart card system, the government aims to digitize fare collection, prevent misuse, and ensure transparent reimbursement to state transport corporations.
If you are planning to apply, here is everything you need to know about eligibility, benefits, required documents, and the step-by-step application process.
What is Shakti Yojana Karnataka Smart Card 2026
| Name of the Scheme | Shakti Yojana |
| State | Karnataka |
| Launch Date | 11 June 2023 |
| Launched by | Chief Minister Siddaramaiah |
| Beneficiaries | Women, including girl students, and transgender individuals |
| Purpose | To provide free, non-luxury, intrastate bus travel for beneficiaries |
| Coverage Area | Across Karnataka (within state limits) |
| Buses for Free Travel | All non-luxury intrastate buses of BMTC, KSRTC, NWKRTC, KKRTC |
| Exclusions | Luxury buses (Airavat, Rajahamsa, Ambari, non-AC sleepers) and interstate routes |
| Documents Required | Initially, Aadhaar or another valid photo ID with Karnataka address was accepted before smart card issuance. Now the smart card is intended as the main document |
| Application Mode | Online / Offline |
| Smart Card Fee | Registration on Seva Sindhu is mandatory to obtain a Shakti Smart Card, which is issued for free |
| Official Website | sevasindhugs.karnataka.gov.in |
Benefits of Shakti Smart Card
The Shakti Smart Card is a government-issued card that allows women to travel for free on state-run buses in Karnataka. Unlike the earlier system of paper passes, the smart card is digital, contactless, and easy to manage. The card comes with multiple advantages, some of which are listed below:
- Free Travel: Free bus travel for women in Karnataka. Unlimited free rides on Karnataka state buses.
- Convenience: Avoids carrying cash or paper passes
- Digital Tracking: Easy recharging and management through official portals. Helps the government maintain service efficiency
- Safety: Contactless travel reduces physical touchpoints
Eligibility for the Shakti Smart Card
Not every resident can apply. The main eligibility criteria are:
- Gender: Must be a woman or transgender
- Age: Girl students and women of all ages can avail the benefit with a valid ID and residency proof.
- Residency: Must be a permanent resident of Karnataka
- Documentation: Applicants must provide a valid government ID with Karnataka address; the smart card itself is now the main travel document.
How to Apply Online for the Shakti Smart Card 2026
Applying for the card is simple and can be done online by following some simple steps mentioned here.
- Visit the official Karnataka transport website transport.karnataka.gov.in or the Seva Sindhu Guarantee Schemes Portal sevasindhugs.karnataka.gov.in
- At the homepage, click at the "Shakti" tab.
- Fill out the application form with your personal details
- Upload valid ID proof and a recent photograph
- Submit the form and note your application number
- Receive your smart card at the registered address or pick it up from a nearby bus depot
Offline Application
- Visit the nearest KSRTC or bus depot
- Request the Shakti Smart Card application form
- Fill in your details and attach a government ID and photo
- Submit the form and receive a temporary card
- The permanent smart card would be delivered after 15 days as it is the final official document
New Guidelines on Shakthi Smart Cards
The Karnataka government has issued detailed guidelines for the implementation of the Shakthi scheme that offers free travel to women in state-run transport corporations. Under this scheme, the transport department has started issuing Shakti Smart Cards for the beneficiaries. Luxury buses including Rajahamsa, non-AC sleepers, Airavat, and Ambari, are exempt from the scheme. Interstate travel is also not covered.Tips for Using the Shakti Smart Card
- Keep your card activated and updated with personal info
- Report lost or stolen cards immediately
- Use the card for state-run buses only
- Track usage via official apps or portals if available
Karnataka Shakti Yojana Progress Report (Till Jan 2026)
As of January 2026, more than 660 crore free trips have been completed by eligible women beneficiaries under Shakti Yojana. On average, around 75.68 lakh women are availing of the free bus travel facility every day across the four State Transport Undertakings (STUs).This high passenger volume highlights the successful implementation of the scheme. It also underscores the need for transparency, financial accountability, and data-driven decisions through a technology-based system.
Conclusion
The Shakti Yojana Karnataka Smart Card 2026 is a powerful step toward empowering women and improving access to public transport. By making the application process straightforward and benefits easy to access, Karnataka is setting an example in digital governance and social welfare.Apply today and enjoy hassle-free, free travel across the state!
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