Shakti scheme: How to apply for smart card online on Seva Sindhu portal for free bus travel in Karnataka, eligibility, and more

Registration for the free bus service in Karnataka can be done via Seva Sindhu portal.

• By Ankit Chawla -
Published On: June 30, 2023

The Karnataka government has introduced the Shakti scheme, which applies to all women in the state. The scheme offers free bus rides to women and transgender persons on all non-premium services provided by the state-run Road Transport Corporations (RTCs). However, to avail of this benefit, you need to apply for the Shakti Smart card. If you are wondering how to apply for the Shakti Smart card and enjoy the free bus service in Karnataka, here's a quick step-by-step guide:

How to apply for Shakti Smart Card online

To avail a Shakti Smart Card online, please follow these steps:

• Browse over to the Seva Sindhu portal (https://sevasindhuservices.karnataka.gov.in/) put in place by the Karnataka government. 
• Login or register using your credentials.

• Now, click on "Apply for Shakti Smart card". 
• Fill up all the details requested in the application form provided.
• Once registration is done, login again and apply for the Shakti Smart card. It should be issued in about three months from registration, post verification.

Till the smart card is issued, the beneficiaries are supposed to carry a government-issued ID, including Aadhaar card, Driving License, Passport, or others, with address proof of Karnataka, during bus travel. This practice is to be maintained for the first three months of the scheme going live. 

Post that, a Shakti Smart card will be compulsory for a free bus travel facility in Karnataka.

Shakti Scheme: Who is eligible?

The Shakti Scheme is currently eligible for the following consumers:

• Women, married and unmarried, who are permanent residents of the state of Karnataka.
• Transgender persons who are permanent residents of the state of Karnataka.
• All girl students and linguistic minority persons residing in the state of Karnataka.

Documents required to apply for Shakti Scheme

To apply for a Shakti Smart card or scheme, proof of residence, which can be your Aadhaar card, Driving License, Voter ID card, Passport, and others, is a must.

How to track Shakti Smart Card status online

• To track your application status, go to the same website (https://sevasindhuservices.karnataka.gov.in).
• Here, on the right side, select the Department and Service, and enter your Application ID.
• The page will display the current status of your application.

Which buses are part of the scheme?

All buses falling under these corporations will be eligible for free travel:

• Karnataka State Road Transportation Corporation (KSRTC)
• Bengaluru Metropolitan Transportation Corporation (BMTC)
• Northwest Road Transportation Corporation (NWRTC)
• Kalyana Karnataka Road Transportation Corporation (KKRTC)

Additionally, certain buses will not be part of the scheme. Those include:

• EV Power Plus (AC)
• Luxury buses
• Intercity buses
• Sleeper buses (AC or non-AC)
• Vayu Vajra
• Ambari
• Airavat
• Flybus

The Shakti Scheme is a gender-driven initiative by the Karnataka government to empower women and transgender persons. The scheme is expected to improve the mobility of these sections of society, providing them with better access to financial and personal opportunities.

FAQs

What is the Shakti scheme in Karnataka?

The Karnataka Shakti Scheme is a flagship scheme of the Government of Karnataka that was launched in 2023. It aims to provide free bus travel to women and transgender persons (apart from some linguistic minorities) in all non-premium services offered by the state-run Road Transport Corporations (RTCs).

How to apply for Shakti card in Karnataka?

To apply for your Shakti card in Karnataka, go to the Seva Sindhu portal, apply for the smart card using the links given on the website, and fill up the application form with address proof and other personal details. Once applied, you can track the status of your application on the same website.

What are 'pink tickets'?

Pink tickets are a new kind of bus ticket issued when the ticket-issuing machines are facing issues. These are manually printed tickets that are valid until the machines are fixed.

How long does it take to receive the smart card after applying?

The Shakti smart card will be issued after about three months from the date of application. This will be subject to verification of the domicile status of the applicant.