Women benefiting from Karnataka’s Shakti free bus travel scheme may soon be able to use a dedicated Shakti Smart Card instead of Aadhaar or other government-issued photo identification during every journey.
Karnataka is also moving ahead with a digital smart-ticketing system to verify eligible beneficiaries and keep a more systematic record of free journeys under the Shakti scheme. In a recent report, it was reported that the KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) of the state’s four transport corporations has invited bids for implementing a common smart-ticketing system.
Shakti Smart Card System to Digitise Verification
The Shakti scheme was launched on June 11, 2023, to provide free bus travel to eligible women and other specified beneficiaries domiciled in Karnataka on eligible state-run, non-luxury services.
At present, conductors verify a passenger’s government-issued photo identity document and issue a zero-value ticket. The proposed smart-card system has been developed to make beneficiary verification far easier and ensure a digital record of the journey.
The new system is also expected to help transport corporations keep track of free journeys and help the government to provide more accurate information about free trips and the payment and accounting process of the government.
Why is the government introducing the Smart Card?
One of the key objectives of the proposed system is to enhance verification of beneficiaries and to reduce misuse.
According to recent reports, the state has presented a tender for a common interoperable smart-ticketing system covering KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC. The system will be able to digitally verify Shakti beneficiaries and keep track of journey data through the scheme.
Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh had earlier said that the first phase will cover around one crore women with an estimated expenditure of about ₹250 crore. The September 2026 tender-related developments show that the government is now moving further towards implementation.
How will the Shakti Smart Card work?
The smart card will be used to serve as a digital identity and ticketing instrument for the beneficiary.
Once the system is fully implemented, the card will allow conductors to verify a passenger’s eligibility electronically, rather than manually checking documents on each trip.
The proposed common ticketing system is also to generate digital journey records. Shakti journey records will be retained for at least seven years for auditing purposes. According to the new report, government departments will have reimbursement dashboards and journey data.
The rollout is expected to take place in phases, starting with a pilot and spreading into the transport corporations. The tender documents seem to suggest a wider rollout over the course of about 12 months.
Will women still get free bus trips?
The introduction of the smart card does not mean that the Shakti free-travel benefit is being withdrawn.
The Karnataka government’s official scheme information continues to state that eligible women who are domiciled in Karnataka can travel free on specified state-run services. Passengers currently use valid government-issued photo identification for verification.
The scheme operates in the four state transport corporations of Karnataka: KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC. It covers eligible non-luxury services in Karnataka.
Which Buses are covered?
The Shakti scheme applies to eligible ordinary and express services operated by the state transport corporations. However, some luxury and AC services are excluded.
The Karnataka government’s scheme information also lists services like Rajahamsa, Airavat, Airavat Club Class and Ambari as services where the free travel facility is not available. Some other premium, AC, sleeper and interstate services are also excluded under the scheme rules.
Therefore, women using the Shakti benefit should continue checking whether the particular bus service is covered before travelling.
What documents may be needed?
The exact procedure of obtaining and activating the smart card will depend on the government’s final implementation guidelines.
The Bengaluru Urban district administration's official Shakti scheme page lists the Shakti Smart Card, Aadhaar, voter ID, driving licence, passport and other government-issued photo identity documents as acceptable identification documents.
Recent reports also indicate that voter ID and Aadhaar are being considered for smart-card enrolment and verification. However, beneficiaries need to wait for official notification on the final application process, documents required, collection centres and card distribution schedule.
First phase may cover one crore women
Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh has said that more than one crore women are expected to receive free Shakti smart cards in the first phase.
The estimated cost for this phase is around ₹250 crore. Local media reports that the state government is expected to bear a portion of the cost, and the remaining cost would be borne by the four transport corporations.
Earlier reports in June had also indicated that the government was preparing a wider framework for smart-card distribution, and the possibility of eventually covering more beneficiaries.
Smart Card Could Also Support Wider Public Transport Integration
The proposed smart-ticketing system is not only aimed at verifying Shakti beneficiaries. Reports indicate that the technology could eventually support interoperability across public transport systems.
One proposal under consideration involves NFC-enabled cards, with the possibility of integration with Namma Metro in the future. However, such integration should be treated as a proposed feature rather than an immediately available benefit until the government formally announces it.
What Women Travellers Should Know Now
For the time being, eligible passengers should continue following the existing Shakti travel rules and carry a valid government-issued photo ID when travelling.
The smart-card system is being introduced in phases, and the final details regarding applications, eligibility verification, distribution centres and the date from which the card will become mandatory are expected to be clarified through official notifications.
In short, the Shakti Smart Card is being planned as a digital replacement or supplement to the current identity-verification process, while the underlying free-travel benefit continues. The system is intended to make beneficiary verification easier, improve digital record-keeping, and strengthen the administration of the scheme.
