Bengaluru: The Government of Karnataka has introduced a major reform to one of its most popular welfare initiatives — the Shakti Scheme. This flagship program provides free bus travel to women and transgender persons across the state using government-operated buses. Until now, beneficiaries were required to show their Aadhaar card or other identity proof to avail of the zero-fare ticket facility. However, in a recent cabinet decision dated 12 February 2026, the government officially approved the introduction of a dedicated Smart Card system for beneficiaries.
Under this new arrangement, Aadhaar will gradually be phased out as the primary travel verification document. Instead, eligible passengers must obtain and use a Shakti Smart Card to continue availing free travel benefits. The government believes this step will bring greater transparency, efficiency, and technological advancement to the scheme.
Background of the Shakti Scheme
The Shakti Scheme was launched as one of the major guarantee programs of the Karnataka government. It was designed to support women’s mobility, economic participation, and independence by allowing free travel in state-run buses, including services operated by:
- KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation)
- BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation)
- NWKRTC (North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation)
- KKRTC (Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation)
The scheme applies to ordinary and express bus services within the state boundaries. Women residents of Karnataka and transgender individuals are eligible for the benefit.
Since its launch, the scheme has witnessed massive public response. Lakhs of women across rural and urban areas use this facility daily for commuting to workplaces, schools, markets, healthcare facilities, and other essential destinations.
Why Replace Aadhaar with a Smart Card?
Until now, beneficiaries were required to show their Aadhaar card or voter ID to conductors while boarding the bus. The conductor would verify the identity and issue a zero-fare ticket.
While the system functioned reasonably well, several operational challenges were observed:
1. Time-Consuming Verification
During peak hours, verifying physical Aadhaar cards caused delays. Conductors had to manually check identity documents and sometimes note details in trip sheets.
2. Manual Record Maintenance
Maintaining manual travel records made it difficult to accurately calculate total beneficiaries and reimbursement amounts owed to transport corporations.
3. Risk of Misuse
There were concerns about possible misuse through duplicate or unauthorized identity documents.
4. Data Management Challenges
The government lacked precise, real-time data on travel patterns, routes with high demand, and overall scheme expenditure.
To address these issues, the cabinet approved a transition to a technologically advanced Smart Card system.
What Is the Shakti Smart Card?
The Shakti Smart Card is a dedicated digital travel identification card issued exclusively to eligible women and transgender beneficiaries under the Shakti Scheme.
The card will be embedded with secure digital data, allowing quick verification through electronic scanning machines carried by bus conductors. Instead of physically checking Aadhaar cards, conductors will simply scan the smart card and generate a zero-fare ticket instantly.
This system aims to make free travel smoother, faster, and more organized.
Key Features of the Smart Card System
1. Fast Digital Verification
With a simple tap or scan, the passenger’s eligibility details will be verified in seconds. This significantly reduces boarding delays.
2. Accurate Data Collection
The system will digitally record travel information, including route, date, and usage frequency. This will help the government analyze usage trends.
3. Transparent Subsidy Calculation
Transport corporations will receive reimbursement from the government based on accurate digital records instead of estimates.
4. Prevention of Fraud
Smart Cards will minimize identity duplication and unauthorized use.
5. Improved Administrative Efficiency
Digital automation reduces paperwork and manual entry errors.
Is the Smart Card Free?
Yes. The Karnataka government has announced that the Shakti Smart Card will be issued completely free of cost.
All eligible women and transgender individuals will receive the card without paying any fee. The government has clarified that no service charges will be collected during registration or issuance.
The aim is to ensure that both rural and urban beneficiaries can access the card without financial burden.
Who Is Eligible?
The following individuals are eligible to apply for the Shakti Smart Card:
- Women who are permanent residents of Karnataka
- Transgender persons residing in Karnataka
- Individuals who meet the scheme guidelines issued by the state government
The scheme is limited to intra-state travel only. It does not apply to inter-state bus journeys.
How to Apply for the Shakti Smart Card
The government has simplified the application process to make it accessible for all sections of society. Applicants can choose from multiple methods:
1. Seva Sindhu Portal (Online Application)
Eligible candidates can apply online through the official Seva Sindhu government portal. The steps typically include:
- Registering on the portal
- Filling in personal details
- Uploading required documents
- Submitting the application
After verification, the smart card will be processed and issued.
2. Grama One / Karnataka One / Bangalore One Centers
Applicants who do not have internet access can visit the nearest government service centers, including:
- Grama One centers in rural areas
- Karnataka One centers
- Bangalore One centers
Officials at these centers will assist with registration and document submission.
3. Bus Station Registration Counters
The Transport Department is also planning to open dedicated registration counters at major bus stands. Beneficiaries can directly visit these counters to enroll.
This multi-channel approach ensures accessibility for both digitally literate and non-digital users.
Documents Required for Smart Card Application
Applicants must submit the following documents while applying:
- Aadhaar Card (for identity verification)
- Address Proof (if required separately)
- Passport-size Photograph
- Mobile Number (for communication and updates)
Although Aadhaar will no longer be required for daily travel, it may still be used for initial identity verification during registration.
How Will the Smart Card Be Used in Buses?
Once issued, the smart card must be presented during bus travel.
Here’s how it will work:
- The passenger boards the bus.
- She presents the Smart Card to the conductor.
- The conductor scans the card using a handheld electronic ticketing machine.
- The system verifies eligibility instantly.
- A zero-fare ticket is generated.
The process will take only a few seconds.
Benefits to Women and Transgender Passengers
The Shakti Scheme has already significantly improved mobility for women. With the Smart Card system, the benefits will increase further:
1. Dignified Travel Experience
Women will no longer need to repeatedly show personal identification documents.
2. Faster Boarding
Reduced waiting time during rush hours.
3. Secure Identification
A dedicated travel card ensures privacy and identity protection.
4. Wider Access
More structured implementation may help extend services to underserved areas.
Benefits to Transport Corporations
The four major state transport corporations will benefit from the digitized system:
1. Accurate Reimbursement
Government subsidy payments will be based on real travel data.
2. Better Route Planning
Data analytics will help identify high-demand routes.
3. Fleet Management Improvements
Authorities can increase bus frequency where needed.
4. Financial Transparency
Clear records reduce disputes regarding compensation.
Why the Government Is Promoting Smart Card Usage
The government has cited several strategic reasons for implementing the Smart Card system:
Data-Driven Governance
Precise information on travel frequency, location, and passenger numbers enables evidence-based policy decisions.
Time Efficiency
Conductors save time otherwise spent on manual verification.
Prevention of Non-Eligible Usage
The system helps prevent misuse by individuals from outside Karnataka.
Technological Modernization
The move aligns with the broader vision of digital governance in Karnataka.
Impact on Rural Women
For rural women, the Shakti Scheme has been transformative. Many use buses daily to:
- Travel to agricultural fields
- Visit markets
- Access healthcare services
- Attend educational institutions
The Smart Card ensures continued uninterrupted benefits with improved service quality.
Implementation Timeline
Following the cabinet approval on 12 February 2026, the Transport Department is expected to roll out the Smart Card system in phases. During the transition period:
- Aadhaar-based verification may continue temporarily.
- Beneficiaries will be encouraged to apply for Smart Cards.
- Eventually, Smart Card usage will become mandatory.
The government will announce official deadlines and transition schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Aadhaar still be required?
Aadhaar may be required only during the application process for verification. For bus travel, Smart Card usage will become mandatory.
Is there any fee?
No. The Smart Card is completely free.
Can it be used outside Karnataka?
No. The benefit applies only within Karnataka state-operated buses.
What if the card is lost?
A replacement process will likely be announced by the government.
Government’s Vision
The introduction of the Shakti Smart Card reflects the Karnataka government’s broader vision of combining welfare guarantees with digital efficiency. By integrating technology into public transport benefits, the government aims to:
- Enhance women’s empowerment
- Ensure financial accountability
- Improve administrative transparency
- Strengthen public service delivery
The move is being seen as an important modernization step under the state’s guarantee programs.
Conclusion
The Shakti Scheme Smart Card marks a significant upgrade in Karnataka’s free bus travel initiative for women and transgender persons. By replacing Aadhaar-based manual verification with a secure digital card system, the government is addressing operational challenges while enhancing transparency and efficiency.
With free issuance, easy application channels, and technology-backed validation, the new system promises to make public transport access smoother and more reliable.
As Karnataka moves toward digital governance, the Shakti Smart Card stands as an example of how welfare schemes can evolve to become more structured, data-driven, and user-friendly — while continuing to support women’s mobility and empowerment across the state.
