Bengaluru: The Karnataka government is set to introduce a new Shakti Smart Travel Card for women, integrating free bus travel with metro services under a single smart card system. The move aims to simplify public transport access and strengthen the state’s flagship Shakti free travel scheme.

The new card will allow women commuters to use one card for both bus and metro journeys, promoting seamless and cashless travel across transport networks.

Single Card for Bus and Metro Travel

Under the new initiative, women will be able to use the Shakti Smart Travel Card for free rides on buses operated by Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation and other state transport corporations.

The same card can also be recharged and used for paid journeys on Namma Metro, eliminating the need for separate tickets or passes.

Officials said the card is being developed on the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) platform, enabling contactless tap-and-go travel across transport services.

Strengthening the Shakti Free Travel Scheme

The Shakti scheme, launched in 2023, provides free travel for women on non-luxury state-run buses across Karnataka. Until now, women commuters were required to show identity proof to avail the benefit.

With the introduction of the smart card, identity verification and ticketing will be digitised, reducing delays, misuse, and paperwork while ensuring smoother boarding for passengers.

Distribution and Usage

The Shakti Smart Travel Card will be issued free of cost to eligible women beneficiaries. It is expected to be made available through online registration portals and designated service centres.

For metro travel, users will need to recharge the card with balance for paid rides, while bus travel under the Shakti scheme will continue to remain free.

Boost to Integrated Public Transport

Transport officials believe the new system will improve coordination between bus and metro services and encourage more women to use public transport regularly. The integrated card is also expected to help the government track travel patterns and improve route planning and service efficiency.

The initiative forms part of Karnataka’s broader effort to modernise its urban transport system through digital ticketing and unified mobility solutions.

Implementation Timeline

Pilot implementation is expected to begin in Bengaluru before being expanded to other cities and districts across the state. Detailed guidelines on eligibility, registration, and rollout phases are expected to be announced soon.

  BMTC, Karnataka Government, National Common Mobility Card, Shakti Free Travel Scheme, Shakti Smart Travel Card