Karnataka launches free bus pass scheme for all students, invites applications

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Jun 12, 2026: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Karnataka government has launched a scheme to provide free bus passes to all students across the state and has invited applications from eligible beneficiaries.

Announcing the initiative, Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh said students who have already paid for bus passes will be refunded the full amount.

Until now, the free bus travel benefit was limited to female students. However, the Congress government led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has decided to extend the facility to male students as well. The minister said detailed guidelines regarding the issuance of the free bus passes have been prepared and will be released shortly.

"Our government’s primary objective is to ensure that no child is deprived of education due to financial constraints. In line with this vision, the Chief Minister had announced the free bus pass scheme, and the Transport Department is now implementing it," Suresh said.

Students seeking to avail of the benefit must submit the prescribed application forms at Karnataka One or Bengaluru One centres within the next few days. The distribution of free bus passes will begin immediately after the verification process is completed, he added.