Shakti Smart card: The ‘Shakti Yojana’, which provides free travel on government buses to women in the state, has now reached another milestone.
shakti smart card: The ‘Shakti Yojana’, which provides free travel on government buses to women in the state, has now reached another milestone.
To make the system more transparent and to avoid the menace of fake identity cards, the Karnataka Cabinet has recently given its official approval for the distribution of ‘Shakti Smart Card’. For Google Discover readers, here is comprehensive and accurate information on whether this smart card is mandatory? What documents are required? And how to apply?
Is it mandatory to get a Shakti Smart Card?
Yes, in the coming days, it will be mandatory to have a Shakti Smart Card to travel free in the state.
Currently, women are getting zero-fare tickets by showing their Aadhaar card or voter ID while traveling in buses. However, this new smart card is being implemented to maintain accurate data of passengers and avoid delays in issuing tickets to conductors.
Notably, this card is being developed on the model of ‘National Common Mobility Card’ (NCMC), and a single card can be used not only for bus but also for metro travel. The distribution and mandatory use of these smart cards is expected to be fully implemented by June 2026. Your old ID cards will remain valid until this is issued.
What documents are required for a smart card?
Keep the following important documents ready in advance to apply:
Aadhaar Card: This is mandatory to confirm that the applicant is a resident of Karnataka.
Proof of address: Ration card, voter ID or driving license.
Passport-sized photograph.
Mobile number: A current and active mobile number linked to Aadhaar (for OTP verification).
How to apply for a Shakti Smart Card?
The application process is completely free and you can easily do it online or offline:
Application submission online:
- Visit the official Seva Sindhu portal of the state government (sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in).
- Find the link “Shakti Smart Card Application”. Click there and
- Enter your mobile number and login through OTP.
- Fill in your name, address and Aadhaar details in the form that opens.
- Upload the required documents as requested and press the ‘Submit’ button.
- After submitting the application, note down your Application ID for future tracking.
Apply for Shakti Smart Card offline:
Women who are unable to apply online need not worry. Visit your nearest Grama One, Karnataka One or Bangalore One centre with the necessary documents. The staff there will submit the application online on your behalf and issue an acknowledgement receipt.
Shakti Smart Card is a great system that will not only facilitate bus travel but can also be used for other transports including the metro in the future. The government will soon announce the final guidelines for application submission, so keep your documents ready now.