To make transportation more accessible to thousands of women residents in the form of cost-free bus rides to all the women residents of Karnataka, the Government of Karnataka has launched a free bus travel scheme known as the Karnataka Shakti Yojana 2025 in the state. Under this scheme government provides free travel from one place to another to women residents within the boundaries of Karnataka. According to the sources, there is no cap on kilometres. This scheme is only available for government-run bases.
As per the sources, it’s noted that around 41 lakh women will get free rides in 6308 City Buses, 5958 Ordinary Buses, and 6343 Express Buses, respectively. If you are a woman resident of Karnataka who wishes to be a part of this free bus travel scheme by applying for the scheme online, then congratulations, because you are at the correct platform in this article. We will discuss all points related to the scheme, including eligibility documents and, last but not least process of online application.
What is Karnataka Shakti Yojana 2025?
The Karnataka Shakti Yojana is a state-oriented free bus travel scheme that was one of the five major pre-poll promises first launched on June 11, 2023, by the state government of Karnataka for the welfare of women residents in the state. Under this scheme government provides free of cost bus rides to all women so that they can travel without any financial dependence on paying ticket costs for others. This scheme applies to government-run buses.
As per the data noted by the transport department between July 11, 2023, and June 10, 2025, the four corporations together recorded a total of 80 1.54 crore passenger journeys, out of these 474.82 crore were the women passengers travelling under the Shakti scheme.
Under this scheme government allows women residents to travel for free in non-premium government buses operated by the four state Transport Corporations, including KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC. By launching this scheme, the government aims to empower women financially and make them independent by providing them with free of cost bus services so that they can travel anywhere in the state without paying a single rupee.
Update Under Karnataka Shakti Scheme 2025
As per the latest updates and data shared by transport department between June 11 2023 and June 10 2025 the four Corporation together recorded a total of 801.45 crore passenger journeys across the state out of these 474.82 crore were the women passengers travelling under the Shakti scheme according to the data the largest number of women beneficiaries were marked in the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) with over 150.64 crore female passengers.
On the other hand, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) followed with 144.23 crore, while North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC) outlined 111.10 crore and 68.78 crore respectively.
Key Features of Free Bus Travel Scheme 2025
| Article Name | Karnataka Shakti Yojana 2025 |
| First Introduced on | June 11, 2023. |
| Introduced by | Congress Party |
| Governing body | Government of Karnataka. |
| Year | 2025-26 |
| Motive | To fulfill one of the five major pre-poll promises made before the election to women by allowing women to travel for free in non-premium government buses operated by the four state-run Transport Corporations. |
| Benefits | Free Bus Rides |
| Total Passengers Journeys | 801.45 crore passenger journeys. |
| Women Passengers Recorded | 474.82 crore. |
| Buses Covered | Under this scheme government allows women residents to travel for free in non-premium government buses operated by the four state Transport Corporations, including KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC. |
| Cap on Kilometers | “No”, there is no cap on kilometres. |
| Scheme Type | Women Welfare Scheme. |
| Target Beneficiaries | Women Residents of Karnataka. |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Official website | yuvakanaja.karnataka.gov.in |
Objective of Karnataka Shakti Yojana
The main objective of this scheme is to fulfill one of the five major pre-poll promises made before the election to women by allowing women to travel for free in non-premium government buses operated by the four state-run Transport Corporations. Under this scheme government provides free travel from one place to another to women residing within the boundaries of Karnataka. There is no cap on kilometres. This scheme is only available for government-run bases. As per the sources, it’s noted that around 41 lakh women will get free rides in 6308 City Buses, 5958 Ordinary Buses, and 6343 Express Buses, respectively.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the free bus travel scheme, an applicant needs to clear the following eligibility criteria’s these are as follows:-
- Applicant must be a permanent resident of Karnataka.
- Applicant must be a woman resident of the state.
- Girls from the age group 6 to 12 can also apply for the scheme.
Benefits of the Shakti Scheme
- Free Bus Rides:- Under this scheme, the government provides absolutely free rides on government-run buses to deserving women beneficiaries.
- Total Women Benefited:- As per the sources, it’s noted that around 41 lakh women will get free rides in 6308 City Buses, 5958 Ordinary Buses, and 6343 Express Buses, respectively.
- Applicable Within Boundary:- Under this scheme government provides free travel from one place to another to women residents within the boundaries of Karnataka.
- Zero Sum Tickets:- Through this scheme, women can travel without paying ticket amounts to conductors and go anywhere in the state at free cost.
Required Documents
- Aadhar Card
- Resident Proof
- Voter ID Card
- Passport-Sized Photograph
- Mobile Number
Salient Features
- Fulfill Pre-Poll Promise:- The main objective of this scheme is to fulfill one of the five major pre-poll promises made before the election to women by allowing women to travel for free in non-premium government buses operated by the four state-run Transport Corporations.
- Buses Covered:- In this scheme government allows women residents to travel for free in non-premium government buses operated by the four state Transport Corporations, including KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC.
- Access to Smart Card:- Under this scheme, a Smart Card is mandatory for a woman to receive free rides on government buses in Karnataka.
- No Cap On Kilometres:- According to the sources, there is no cap on kilometres.
Also Read:- Karnataka Anna Bhagya Scheme
How to Apply Online for the Karnataka Free Bus Travel Scheme 2025?
To apply online for the Karnataka Shakti Scheme, the applicant needs to follow these steps:-
- First of all, the applicant needs to visit the official website.
- The homepage of the official website will appear on the screen
- After that applicant needs to click on the Apply Now option
- As the applicant clicks, an application form will appear on the screen.
- Now the applicant needs to fill out all the details asked in the form.
- Upload all the necessary documents with the form.
- Quickly review all the details carefully.
- At last, click on the Submit option to complete the process.
Also Read:- Karnataka Yuva Nidhi Scheme
Important Downloads
Contact Details
- For facing any disturbance, contact the official sevasindhu@karnataka.gov.in
FAQs
Who can apply for the Karnataka Shakti Yojana 2025?
- Women residents of Karnataka can apply for the free bus travel scheme.
Is it necessary to be a woman of Karnataka to receive the benefits of the scheme?
- Yes, this scheme is only available for female citizens of Karnataka.
What are the benefits Karnataka Shakti Scheme?
- Under this scheme, the government provides absolutely free rides on government-run buses to deserving women beneficiaries.