Karnataka launches free bus travel scheme for all students

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has announced a free bus travel scheme for students across the State, aiming to ease their commute and support education. This initiative, introduced by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar after assuming office on June 3, 2026, complements the existing Shakti scheme, which provides free travel for women, transgender persons, and students on non-premium buses operated by KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC.

Eligibility and Coverage

The scheme covers all students, from school to college level, and extends benefits to male students who were previously excluded under the Shakti scheme. Guidelines issued by the State Transport Department on June 12, 2026, formally allow male students to avail free bus passes. Students residing in Karnataka are eligible, including those pursuing education in neighboring states or living in border areas outside Karnataka but attending institutions within the State.

Existing eligibility norms for student bus passes, such as academic requirements, distance criteria, and pass validity rules, will remain unchanged. Students can apply online via the Seva Sindhu portal by submitting the necessary documents. Additionally, those who have already purchased bus passes for the current academic year are eligible for refunds, with the government promising reimbursement within 15 days. Approximately 19,792 students fall under this category.

Benefits and Financial Impact

The scheme is expected to benefit lakhs of students, particularly those in rural areas who rely on public transport to access educational institutions in nearby towns and cities. Accident insurance coverage has also been announced for students issued free bus passes, with the State bearing a monthly premium of ₹5 per student. A processing fee of ₹100 per pass will be paid by the government to the transport corporations.

The annual financial outlay for the scheme is estimated at ₹286.08 crore, which will be reimbursed to the four State-run transport corporations. However, concerns have been raised about the sustainability of the scheme due to delays in reimbursements under the existing Shakti scheme. Between June 2023 and February 2026, transport corporations incurred expenses of ₹17,647.50 crore for Shakti, but only ₹13,073.75 crore was reimbursed, leaving pending dues of ₹4,573.75 crore. Rising operational costs, including salaries, fuel, and maintenance, have further strained the corporations.

Transport officials have emphasized the importance of timely fund releases to ensure smooth implementation without financial burdens on the corporations.

Reactions and Suggestions

The scheme has been widely welcomed by educationists and student organizations. Developmental educationist Niranjanaradhya V.P. described it as a long-awaited measure that would alleviate financial pressures on students and their families, particularly those from economically weaker and marginalized backgrounds. Student groups such as the All India Democratic Students Organisation (AIDSO) and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) have also supported the initiative, urging the government to ensure its seamless implementation from the start of the academic year.

Meanwhile, commuter groups and students have called for similar concessions on Bengaluru’s metro network. The Bengaluru Metro Commuters Association (BMCA) has urged the government to introduce free or subsidized metro passes for students, arguing that such benefits would further reduce transportation costs and enhance access to educational facilities across the city. Currently, Namma Metro does not offer concession passes for any category, including students and persons with disabilities, despite longstanding demands.

The free bus travel scheme marks a significant step towards supporting education in Karnataka, but its success will depend on timely reimbursements and effective implementation.