Shakti Scheme (Free Bus Travel for Women — Karnataka)

Visit any KSRTC, BMTC, NEKRTC, or NWKRTC bus depot, major bus stand, or Shakti registration counter near you. In Bengaluru, BMTC depots at Shivajinagar, Kempegowda Bus Stand, and major terminals have dedicated Shakti counters. Outside Bengaluru, visit the nearest KSRTC depot in your taluk or district.

At the Shakti counter, submit: your original Aadhaar card + 1 photocopy, one Karnataka address proof (voter ID / ration card / driving licence), and 2 passport-size photos. Fill the simple one-page Shakti registration form. The counter staff verifies your documents.

Your Shakti Smart Card is generated on the spot or within 2–3 days depending on the depot. The card displays your name, photo, and a unique Shakti ID. It is pre-loaded as an "unlimited free ordinary bus travel" card for Karnataka government buses. Keep the card safe — report loss at any KSRTC depot.

At the bus stop: show your Shakti card to the conductor → tap the card on the Shakti card reader (available on modern KSRTC/BMTC buses) → the conductor issues a zero-fare ticket or marks the Shakti tap. On older buses: show the card to the conductor who manually records the trip. No internet needed — the card works offline.

Shakti card covers only ordinary (non-AC, non-express) government bus travel within Karnataka. For KSRTC Express / Airavat Club Class / Sleeper / AC buses or travel outside Karnataka state borders: you pay the applicable fare difference at the conductor's window. The Shakti card is NOT valid for private buses.