The Karnataka government has approved a free bus pass scheme for school and college students travelling on state-run transport services. This will allow eligible students to use buses operated by BMTC, KSRTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC at no cost and will reduce the cost of daily commuting for education.
The decision will benefit lakhs of students from rural areas and economically weaker households in Karnataka who depend on public transport to go to schools, colleges, technical institutes and training centers. Transportation costs are a large portion of monthly education expenses for many families, so the new scheme will ease that burden.
Under the approved policy, eligible students will not need to pay for regular student bus passes. But the existing rules and eligibility criteria for student bus passes will remain and be followed in this case. Through the Seva Sindhu portal, the application and verification process will be done to help students transition to the new system, officials said.
The decision by the Government of Karnataka means that Bengaluru students can travel free on services operated by BMTC, while students from other parts of Karnataka are provided with KSRTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC buses. This statewide coverage will also greatly improve the educational accessibility of students who travel long distances every day.
According to official estimates, the scheme will cost the state government approximately ₹286 crore annually. At least ₹15 crore has been allocated for processing charges and contributions to accident relief funds associated with the transportation network.
Refunds will be given to students who have already applied and paid for bus passes before the scheme. It is intended to relieve families that already had a budget for transportation expenses in advance of the current academic year.
The scheme also extends benefits beyond Karnataka's borders. Students living in Karnataka's border districts and going to neighbouring states for study will be eligible for free bus passes. Students from neighbouring states who pursue their education in Karnataka will also be covered under the scheme, so that access to education is not limited by state borders.
Education groups have been overwhelmingly impressed with the initiative and say transportation costs are an obstacle for students in rural and semi-urban areas aspiring to pursue higher education. Free transportation will also help students to attend class and not drop out, allowing them to study without worrying about daily commuting costs.
This is part of the Karnataka government’s wider agenda to increase access to education for students from different backgrounds, and the government will reduce transportation costs to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent students from entering the classroom.
Officials are expected to release implementation guidelines in the coming weeks. Students and parents are also encouraged to stay on the Seva Sindhu portal for applications and updates about the scheme.
With free travel available on Karnataka's state-run bus network, this is one of the biggest student welfare measures carried out by the state government in recent years that will not only contribute to economic relief but also to the education of lakhs of young learners.
