Women in Bengaluru are set to benefit from new smart card designed to streamline travel across the city’s public transport system . Karnataka government is introducing Shakti Scheme smart card,which will integrate with the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) platform,allowing for free bus rides and paid access to Namma Metro services.
The initiative aims to simplify the commuting experience for women by offering single card for multiple transport modes. Under the Shakti scheme,eligible women can travel for free on Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses and other state-operated services. The new card will also serve as rechargeable payment option for Metro journeys.
Officials indicated that card will eliminate the need for separate tickets or cards for different modes of transport. Women beneficiaries can apply for the card at no cost through both online and offline channels,including citizen service centers. A senior Transport Department official explained that the application process will involve e-KYC verification to authenticate residential addresses and eligibility details before card is issued.
The Shakti smart card is designed to ensure convenient travel. It will allow women to board government buses without charge and use the same card for Metro travel after recharging it. This change is expected to enhance the overall commuting experience by reducing hassle of managing multiple cards.
Currently, women utilize the Shakti scheme by obtaining a zero-fare ticket after presenting a valid government-issued ID to the bus conductor. However,issues have arisen with some individuals using invalid or duplicate documents to claim benefits. Officials emphasized that the scheme is specifically for women residing in Karnataka, and the verification process will help ensure that only eligible beneficiaries receive the card.
The introduction of the smart card is also poised to replace the existing method of verifying identity through Aadhaar cards. Conductors will validate journeys by swiping smart card on electronic ticketing machines, which will automatically generate zero-value tickets for Shakti beneficiaries. This system aims to maintain accurate passenger records and improve the efficiency of boarding process .
Officials noted that the smart card would alleviate challenges faced by conductors, particularly during busy periods . Manually verifying identity cards can be cumbersome, leading to delays. The new system will allow for quicker ticket generation through visual verification or by tapping the card on the Electronic Ticketing Machine (ETM).
Launched on June 11, 2023,the Shakti programme is one of the Congress government’s five guarantee schemes,providing free travel for women, transgender individuals, and students on non-premium buses operated by state transport corporations. Since its inception, the programme has gained significant traction and was recognized by the Golden Book of World Records for facilitating highest number of free journeys for women under a public transport scheme.
