Launch, Operational Scope, and Budget Allocation

The Shakti scheme was officially launched on June 11, 2023, at Bengaluru’s Vidhana Soudha. It serves as one of the state’s flagship social welfare and mobility guarantees. The initiative provides free public bus transport to eligible passengers across the state. Free travel is exclusively applicable to intra-state routes within the boundaries of Karnataka. The benefit is strictly valid on ordinary and non-luxury public transport buses. State-run corporations including KSRTC and BMTC operationalize these free transit services. To support the extensive transport network, a budgetary allocation of ₹5,015 crore was made.

Target Beneficiaries and Domicile Criteria

The scheme extends free commuting privileges directly to all eligible women in the state. In addition to women, the welfare coverage explicitly includes transgender individuals. All prospective beneficiaries are mandatorily required to be residents of Karnataka. Passengers must present government-approved identity proofs or Shakti Smart Cards to travel. The fare exemption does not extend to premium luxury services such as Rajahamsa or AC buses. Furthermore, interstate routes extending beyond state borders remain excluded from the waiver. This policy ensures accessible, safe, and cost-free mobility to empower local commuters. Official guidelines and notifications are available through the Bengaluru Urban District Shakti Scheme Portal.