How to Get the Shakti Free Bus Pass for Women in Karnataka

The Shakti scheme is one of Karnataka’s best-known welfare programmes: it lets women and girls who are residents of the state travel free on ordinary government buses. For students, working women, homemakers and senior citizens, it has made everyday travel across the state far more affordable. This guide explains how the Shakti free bus pass works, how eligible residents can get the Shakti smart card through Seva Sindhu, and — importantly — how to avoid the fake “registration” sites that charge for something the government provides free.

How the Shakti scheme actually works

Under Shakti, a woman resident of Karnataka can board an eligible state-run bus and travel within the state without paying the fare. The conductor issues a zero-value ticket for the journey. It applies across the four state transport corporations that run ordinary services:

• KSRTC — Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation.
• BMTC — Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (city buses).
• NWKRTC — North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation.
• KKRTC — Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation.

Which buses are covered — and which are not

This is the part people most often get wrong, so it is worth being clear. As of 2026:

If you plan to take a premium AC or sleeper service, or travel outside the state, carry money for the fare. The exact list of excluded services can be revised, so if in doubt, ask the conductor before boarding.

Do you need the Shakti smart card?

Many women use the scheme every day without a special card. For ordinary travel, showing a valid government photo ID that establishes you are a Karnataka resident — such as Aadhaar — is generally enough for the conductor to issue a zero-fare ticket. The Shakti smart card is a separate, optional convenience that eligible residents can apply for. Because rules can change, check the current requirement on the official portal before assuming which one you need.

How to apply for the Shakti smart card on Seva Sindhu

The smart card application runs through the state’s official Seva Sindhu portal. Here is the safe way to do it:

1. Open the official portal. Type sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in into your browser yourself. Karnataka government sites end in .karnataka.gov.in; anything else is not official.
2. Find the Shakti smart card service. Look for it in the list of services or schemes. Select it to open the application.
3. Log in / register. Enter your mobile number and the OTP sent to it. Keep that OTP private.
4. Fill in your details. Enter your name, address and other details exactly as on your ID.
5. Upload documents. Attach proof of Karnataka residence and a photo, as the form specifies.
6. Submit and save your reference number. Note the acknowledgement number so you can track the application.

After you apply, you can follow progress using our guide on checking your Seva Sindhu application status.

What documents you will need

The exact list appears on the Seva Sindhu application and can change, but you will typically need:

• Aadhaar or another government photo ID.
• Proof that you are a Karnataka resident (address proof).
• A passport-size photograph.

Read the on-screen requirements carefully before uploading, and keep clear, readable scans ready.

The scheme is free — beware of “registration fee” scams

This is the most important safety point. The Shakti scheme, and any official smart-card registration, are free of cost. Yet scammers run websites, ads and WhatsApp messages telling women to “register for the free bus pass” and then charge a fee, or worse, collect Aadhaar and bank details to misuse. Protect yourself:

• Never pay any “registration”, “processing” or “card” fee for Shakti. There is none.
• Apply only on sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in. Ignore look-alike sites and sponsored ads.
• Never share your OTP, full Aadhaar number, UPI PIN or bank details with anyone offering to register you.
• Be suspicious of agents at bus stands or online who offer to “make your Shakti card” for a charge.

These are exactly the tactics covered in our guides on fake government website scams and fake KYC-update scams. If you are helping a mother or grandmother use the scheme, our guide for senior citizens is worth sharing.

Tips for using the Shakti scheme smoothly

• Carry your ID whenever you travel, so the conductor can issue the zero-fare ticket without delay.
• Keep the zero-value ticket the conductor gives you until the end of your journey.
• For premium or interstate buses, keep enough money for a normal ticket — the scheme will not cover them.
• If a conductor is unsure whether a service is covered, ask politely; corporation rules are the final word.

A note on advice

This article is general information to help Karnataka residents use the Shakti scheme, not legal advice. Eligibility, covered bus types, documents and any card requirement are set by the government and the transport corporations, and can change over time — always confirm current details on the official Seva Sindhu portal or with KSRTC. If anyone tries to charge you for this free scheme, or you suspect a fake site has taken your details, report it at cybercrime.gov.in or call the cyber-crime helpline 1930. The scheme is a right for eligible women, and using it should never cost you a rupee in “registration”.