Shakti Scheme goes smart: Free bus travel to get Aadhaar-based smart card system

To stop misuse and improve transparency, the Karnataka government is set to introduce mandatory smart cards for free travel under the Shakti Scheme, with rollout likely from June 2026.

In a major upgrade to the Shakti Scheme, the Karnataka government has decided to introduce mandatory smart cards for free bus travel, aiming to stop misuse, improve transparency, and ensure accurate financial management.

The decision to implement the smart card system has been approved by the state cabinet, and preparations are underway to roll out the cards in the coming months. Under the new system, Aadhaar-based identification will be compulsory, effectively putting an end to unauthorized and fraudulent travel under the scheme.

The Shakti Scheme, which provides free bus travel to women, was launched across Karnataka on June 11, 2023. By June 11, 2026, the scheme will complete three years, and the government is targeting June 2026 for the distribution of smart cards.

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To implement the project, the government has invited tenders for the production and distribution of smart cards. Once the tender process is completed, the entire smart card system is expected to become operational within three months.

Why Smart Cards?

The move is driven by multiple objectives:

•    To ensure transparency in the functioning of the scheme.
•    To improve financial accountability and reduce errors in reimbursements.
•    To enable efficient data management.
•    To address calculation mismatches and payment delays between transport corporations and the government.
•    To fulfil the long-standing demand of transport corporations for a more reliable system.

How Will the Smart Card Work?

The smart card will be designed on the lines of the Ayushman Bharat health card. Each card will contain:

•    Beneficiary’s name
•    Unique verification number
•    Government-issued identity number
•    Photograph of the cardholder

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Bus conductors will enter the verification number into their electronic ticketing machines (ETMs) while issuing tickets. The government is also considering embedding a microchip inside the card to enhance security, speed, and data accuracy.