Karnataka govt to issue new Shakti smart cards soon

Bengaluru, DHNS: The state government is set to float tenders for issue of Shakti Scheme smart cards in a month’s time. 

Speaking to DH, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy shared that plans have been put in place to bring out smart cards in 4-5 months. “We were waiting for all four corporations to get digital machinery. Now that they are equipped and we have a formal nod from the Cabinet, we will soon put out the tender,” he said. 

The new card will continue to provide free travel on BMTC buses for eligible women under Shakti scheme, while also serving as a rechargeable stored-value card for Namma Metro services. Users will need to top up the balance to access Metro rides. This will be done by the integration of Shakti scheme ID with National Common Mobility Card system. The move is aimed at curbing misuse linked to Aadhaar-based verification. Conductors will validate trips by swiping the card on electronic ticketing machines. 

“This will not only curb Aadhaar misuse but also ensure there are no revenue leakages. It will also help us in better data collection in order to build a more in-depth database based on gender and age,” added the minister. 

Currently, over 75 lakh women use free buses under the Shakti Scheme every day across the state.