Karnataka Shakti Scheme 2024: Free Bus Travel Empowering Women

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Karnataka Shakti Scheme 2024: A Year of Transformation

Ningavva’s Story: Ningavva Shiggadi, a 70-year-old woman from Dharwad, exemplifies the newfound freedom Shakti offers. No longer reliant on her children for travel funds, she can visit family and explore new places independently.
Student Empowerment: MA Jayashree, a law student, presented CM Siddaramaiah with a garland of saved bus tickets, symbolizing the financial relief Shakti provides for education.
Economic Impact: A study by the Fiscal Policy Institute revealed a 5.15% increase in GST collection from July 2023 to March 2024, suggesting that women are using their saved money for consumption, boosting the state’s economy.

Overcrowding Concerns: While Shakti has been immensely successful, concerns about overcrowding have arisen. The government is actively working to address this by increasing bus frequencies and expanding the fleet.
Smart Card Delay: The introduction of Shakti smart cards, intended for seamless travel, has faced delays due to technical challenges. The government is working towards resolving these issues and implementing the smart card system soon.

Transport Corporation	Free Rides (in crores)	Estimated Ticket Value (in crores)
KSRTC	68	2,077
BMTC	71	N/A
NWKRTC	52	N/A
KKRTC	38	N/A

Shakti is more than just free rides. It’s about:

Workforce Participation: Women can now access employment opportunities further from home, boosting their economic participation.
Healthcare Access: Affordable travel to medical facilities has improved women’s health outcomes.
Social Connections: Shakti facilitates social interactions and strengthens community bonds.

As Shakti enters its second year, the government is committed to refining and expanding the scheme. Future plans include:

Smart Card Implementation: Streamlining travel with tap-and-go technology.
Enhanced Bus Services: Increasing bus frequencies and routes to cater to growing demand.
Addressing Feedback: Actively addressing passenger feedback to ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience.

Looking to apply for the Shakti Smart Card? Let’s walk through the process together.

First, head over to the official Seva Sindhu portal at Seva Sindhu. Once you’re on the homepage, you’re ready to get started.

If you’re a new user, you’ll need to register first. Don’t worry, it’s straightforward:

Once you’re logged in, you can begin your application for the Shakti Smart Card:

Find the Application: Click on the “Apply for Shakti Smart Card” option.
Fill Out the Form: You’ll see an application form on a new page. Enter all the required details carefully.
Submit: Double-check your information and then click on the “Submit” option.

The Karnataka Shakti Scheme stands as a testament to the power of accessible transportation in transforming lives. By empowering women through free travel, the government has not only fulfilled a promise but has also ignited a wave of positive change across the state. As Shakti continues to evolve, it promises to shape a more inclusive and equitable future for Karnataka.

Who is eligible for the Karnataka Shakti Scheme?

All women residing in Karnataka are eligible.

What documents are required to avail of free bus travel under Shakti?

A government-issued ID card as proof of residency.

Are there any restrictions on the type of buses covered under Shakti?

Shakti applies to all non-luxury buses operated by KSRTC and BMTC.