The Karnataka government is moving ahead with plans to introduce Shakti Smart Cards for beneficiaries of the state’s free bus travel scheme. The Karnataka Cabinet has approved a project estimated at around ₹237 crore to develop and implement the smart card system.
The proposed card is expected to make the Shakti Scheme more convenient by providing beneficiaries with a digital identity that can be used to verify their eligibility while travelling on government-operated buses. The system is also expected to help transport authorities maintain better records of free journeys and simplify the reimbursement process.
The Shakti Scheme currently provides free travel to eligible women in specified non-AC government bus services across Karnataka. The scheme is operated through the state’s four major transport corporations — Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC).
Smart Card Registration Status
One of the most important points for beneficiaries is that Shakti Smart Card registration has not officially opened yet. Although the government has approved the project, the public registration and card distribution process is still awaited.
The registration facility is expected to be made available through an official government platform, reportedly involving Seva Sindhu. However, beneficiaries should wait for an official notification before submitting any application.
People should also be cautious about social-media posts, websites or individuals claiming that smart card registration is already open and asking for money or personal information.
Existing Free Travel Facility Continues
The approval of the smart card project does not mean that women have to stop using the existing Shakti Scheme facility. Eligible passengers can continue to travel under the current rules.
At present, passengers can carry a valid government-issued photo identity document, such as an Aadhaar Card or Voter ID, for identity verification. After verification, the bus conductor can issue the applicable zero-fare ticket.
The smart card is expected to reduce the need for repeated identity verification and make the process faster once the new system becomes operational.
What Could Change After the Rollout?
The proposed smart card may provide beneficiaries with a unique digital identity linked to the Shakti Scheme. It could help transport authorities record journeys electronically and improve the accuracy of reimbursement claims.
The system may also support wider integration with modern public transport systems in the future. However, the exact features, application procedure, eligibility verification process and rollout schedule will depend on the official guidelines released by the Karnataka government.
For now, eligible passengers can continue using the existing Shakti Scheme facility. There is no need to apply for a Shakti Smart Card until the government officially announces the registration process.
Beneficiaries are advised to rely only on official government announcements for information regarding registration dates, required documents, card distribution and other rules.