How to Apply for Free Bus Pass for Women in Karnataka – Smart Card Scheme 2025
The Government of Karnataka has launched a women empowerment initiative that allows free bus travel for all women across the state. Under this state-funded public transport scheme, eligible women can apply for a smart card that enables cashless and unlimited travel in government-operated buses.
This article provides a detailed explanation on how to apply for the free bus pass smart card, eligibility criteria, required documents, online application steps via the Seva Sindhu portal, and the scheme’s key benefits. If you are a resident of Karnataka and wish to avail transport subsidy benefits, this guide will help you through the entire beneficiary registration process.
What is the Free Bus Pass Scheme for Women?
In 2023, the Karnataka government announced a free public transport scheme to provide free bus passes for women, promoting mobility, access to services, and economic participation. In 2025, the scheme has been upgraded with smart card-based identity verification to eliminate misuse.
This social welfare program covers the entire state and applies to state-run transport corporations:
- KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation)
- BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation)
- NWKRTC (North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation)
- KKRTC (Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation)
2. Smart Card Travel Pass – Overview
Eligible women will receive a government-issued smart travel card, enabling them to board buses without paying a fare. This smart card is linked with their Aadhaar number and verified via Seva Sindhu’s unified platform.
Smart Card Details:
- Contains beneficiary name, ID number, photo, and QR code
- Activated after successful transport department verification
- Works in non-premium buses only
- Valid across all district and city routes
3. Key Benefits of the Scheme
This women-centric scheme offers multiple high-impact benefits:
1. Financial Relief
- Daily savings of ₹40–₹100 for commuting women
- Reduces transportation costs for working women and students
2. Promotes Women’s Education & Employment
- Encourages girls in rural areas to attend school and college
- Empowers women to pursue job opportunities in urban centers
3. Boosts Usage of Public Transport
- Reduces dependency on private vehicles
- Promotes eco-friendly transport alternatives
4. Digital Identity through Smart Cards
- Secure, traceable, and scalable system
- Prevents misuse of government services
4. Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the free bus travel subsidy, the applicant must:
- Be a female resident of Karnataka
- Possess a valid Aadhaar card linked to Karnataka address
- Not use the card for commercial or third-party use
- No income restrictions – scheme open to all women
Age group:
- Women of any age (school girls, college students, job-seekers, housewives, and elderly) are eligible
5. List of Required Documents
To register as a scheme beneficiary, the following KYC documents are mandatory:
| Document Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Identity & address verification |
| Voter ID / Ration Card | Residence proof |
| Mobile Number | OTP authentication |
| Passport-size Photograph | For smart card issuance |
| College/School ID (for students) | Optional |
| Income Certificate | Not required |
Make sure the documents are clear, valid, and in PDF or JPEG format under 1 MB for online upload.
6. How to Apply Online through Seva Sindhu
The Karnataka government has enabled a centralized digital application process via the Seva Sindhu platform, which integrates various citizen services.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online:
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to: https://sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in
Step 2: Login/Register with Mobile Number
- Click “New User Registration” if applying for the first time
- Use Aadhaar-linked mobile number for OTP login
Step 3: Locate the Service
- Navigate to “Transport Department Services”
- Click on “Apply for Free Women Bus Travel Smart Card”
Step 4: Fill Application Form
- Enter Name, Aadhaar Number, Date of Birth
- Upload Photograph
- Upload supporting documents
Step 5: Submit and Save Acknowledgment
- Submit the application form
- Save or print the Application ID / Reference Number for tracking
Step 6: Card Dispatch or Pickup
After verification by the transport department, the smart card will be delivered or made available for depot pickup.
7. Offline Application via Transport Department Offices
Women without internet access can apply manually by visiting the nearest KSRTC/BMTC/NWKRTC/KKRTC depots or Grama One centers.
Offline Process:
- Visit the transport office with original documents
- Request and fill out the smart card application form
- Attach photocopies of Aadhaar and photo
- Submit to the scheme officer or kiosk representative
- Collect receipt and wait for verification
- Receive SMS once the smart card is ready for collection
Offline centers also assist with Seva Sindhu digital form filling.
8. Smart Card Features
The Smart Card issued under this scheme includes the following features:
- QR Code for real-time verification
- Photo ID linked to official database
- Supports non-premium intra and inter-district travel
- Designed to integrate with e-ticketing systems
- Durable and reusable for multiple trips
- Secure system powered by transport department database
Card validity is subject to annual renewal or updates in government policy.
9. Common Issues and Resolutions
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar mismatch | Visit Aadhaar center for update before applying |
| Mobile number not linked | Use Aadhaar OTP for reset |
| Smart card not received | Track status using Application ID on Seva Sindhu |
| Name/photo wrong on card | Request correction at depot or submit reissue form |
To avoid delays, ensure all document uploads are legible and data matches across platforms.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is eligible for the smart card bus pass?
All women who are permanent residents of Karnataka, regardless of income or age.
Q2. Can I apply on behalf of someone else?
Yes, as long as the Aadhaar and documents are valid. However, biometric or OTP authentication may be required.
Q3. Can senior citizens use this scheme?
Yes, there is no age restriction for eligibility.
Q4. How long is the smart card valid?
Card validity is usually 1 year but may be extended or renewed based on updated government notifications.
Q5. What happens if I lose the card?
Apply for a duplicate smart card through the transport office. Some charges may apply for reprinting.
✅ Apply link ✅
The Free Bus Pass Scheme for Women in Karnataka is a milestone in delivering inclusive transport benefits, particularly to women from rural, semi-urban, and low-income backgrounds. By offering a smart card-based public welfare subsidy, the scheme not only saves money, but also promotes digital identity, social inclusion, and gender equity.
Women interested in availing this scheme should apply early through the Seva Sindhu portal or by visiting authorized transport offices. This initiative is a part of Karnataka’s broader vision to digitize citizen services and empower women to pursue education, employment, and entrepreneurship without mobility barriers.
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