Karnataka’s free bus travel scheme for students: Eligibility, benefits and challenges (opens original article in a new tab)

Karnataka's Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced a free bus travel scheme for all students, expanding existing benefits to male students and providing insurance coverage, though transport officials raise concerns about financial sustainability.

• Karnataka's free bus travel scheme for students, announced by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, extends free passes to all students, including males, on State-run non-premium buses.
• Eligibility requires students to apply online via the Seva Sindhu portal, with existing passes eligible for refund and insurance coverage provided by the government.
• Transport officials express concerns over financial sustainability due to delayed reimbursements under the existing Shakti Scheme, which covers free travel for women.