The Karnataka Shakti Scheme, launched on June 11, 2023, is a flagship initiative by the Karnataka government aimed at empowering women through free bus travel across the state. As of early 2025, the scheme has facilitated nearly 398 crore free journeys for women, amounting to a ticket value of approximately ₹9,743 crore.
Key Features of the Shakti Scheme
- Eligibility: All women domiciled in Karnataka are eligible for free travel on state-run, non-luxury buses.
- Applicable Buses: The scheme covers services operated by KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC, including city, ordinary, and express buses. Luxury, AC, and interstate buses are excluded.
- Smart Card Requirement: Beneficiaries are encouraged to apply for a Shakti Smart Card via the Seva Sindhu portal. Until issuance, women can avail the service by presenting a valid photo ID such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, or Driving License.
Financial Aspects
Related Posts
- Budget Allocation: In the 2025-26 budget, the Karnataka government allocated ₹5,300 crore for the Shakti Scheme, a 5.5% increase from the previous year’s allocation of ₹5,015 crore.
- Pending Dues: Despite its popularity, the scheme has led to financial strain on state transport corporations, with the government owing ₹1,694 crore as of October 2024.
Impact and Challenges
- Social Empowerment: The scheme has significantly enhanced women’s mobility, contributing to increased participation in education, employment, and social activities.
- Increased Ridership: Events like the 2025 Shivaratri jathra at MM Hills saw a surge in pilgrim turnout, with 7.2 lakh devotees utilizing state-run buses, compared to 4.2 lakh in 2024.
- Operational Challenges: Transport corporations have reported overcrowding and increased demand, prompting requests for additional buses to meet the growing needs.
Future Outlook
The Karnataka government remains committed to the Shakti Scheme, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah affirming that there are no plans to discontinue or modify the initiative. Efforts are underway to address operational challenges, including the procurement of additional buses and the expedited issuance of smart cards to beneficiaries.
Note: For more detailed information or to apply for the Shakti Smart Card, you can visit the
