Karnataka government rolls out free bus travel for all students starting June 12,2026. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced it June 3,aiming to make public transport more accessible for students statewide, especially those in rural areas dependent on buses for school.
This scheme builds on the Shakti program,giving free rides to women,transgender individuals,and students on non-premium buses. Now,both male and female students can snag free bus passes for services by KSRTC,BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC.
Shivakumar stressed youth's role in society: “This is era of the youth. Students asked why only girls got free bus travel. We're now offering it to all students.” This move expected to aid many,especially those from poorer backgrounds.
Eligibility for free passes requires meeting criteria like academic performance and distance from school. Applications go through the Seva Sindhu portal. Those who bought passes this year get refunds in 15 days. Currently,19,792 students qualify for reimbursement.
Scheme also covers students studying outside Karnataka and those from border areas attending schools in state . Besides free rides,government will provide accident insurance at ₹5 monthly per student and a ₹100 processing fee per pass.
State estimates spending ₹286.08 crore annually on scheme. This will be reimbursed to transport corporations. But officials worry about financial sustainability,pointing to reimbursement delays under Shakti Scheme. From June 2023 to February 2026,transport costs of ₹17,647.50 crore were only partially covered,leaving ₹4,573.75 crore shortfall.
Delayed payments have strained finances,complicating operations. Timely funds are crucial for smooth implementation. “If funds are released on time, free student travel can proceed without burdening RTCs,” a senior official said.
Educationists and student groups mostly back initiative. Niranjanaradhya V.P.,a developmental educationist,called it a long-needed step easing financial pressure on students and families. “This has been a long-standing demand and will greatly benefit students,particularly those from economically weaker and marginalized sections,” he noted.
Student bodies like the All India Democratic Students Organisation and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad support it too but urge for smooth start from academic year's onset.
Besides bus scheme,there's a push for similar perks on Bengaluru's metro . Bengaluru Metro Commuters Association wants free or subsidized metro passes for students,arguing it would improve access to schools citywide. They noted Namma Metro lacks concession passes for any group,including students and disabled persons.
Commuter groups argue transport costs shouldn't block education. Free or cheap metro travel could help students from all backgrounds reach educational resources without extra financial strain on families…
