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Free bus travel is on the way for Karnataka’s students. The scheme also promises refunds for existing pass holders and benefits for border-area students
With free travel across state-run bus services, the scheme aims to make education more accessible while improving public transport usage among students.
Bengaluru News: The state Cabinet has approved the extension of the free bus pass facility to all school and college students in Karnataka. The Transport Department has issued an order granting in-principle approval for the scheme, making students across the state eligible for free travel on government-run buses.
The scheme will cover services operated by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC). The order directs the transport corporations to issue free bus passes to eligible students with immediate effect.
Existing Rules To Continue
While the passes will now be free, the existing guidelines for student bus passes will remain unchanged. The current distance limits, validity periods and other eligibility conditions followed by the state transport corporations will continue to apply.
Students can submit their applications online through the Seva Sindhu portal, either individually or with the assistance of their schools and educational institutions.
Refund For Students Who Already Paid
Students who have already obtained bus passes under the earlier paid system will not have to apply for new ones immediately, as their existing passes will remain valid.
The government has also announced that the full amount paid for these passes will be refunded within 15 days of the scheme’s implementation.
Border Area Students Included
The free bus pass scheme has also been extended to students living in Karnataka but pursuing their education in neighbouring states. Similarly, students residing in border areas outside the state and attending educational institutions in Karnataka will also be eligible for the benefit.
The decision is expected to ease the financial burden on thousands of families by reducing daily commuting costs for students. With free travel across state-run bus services and refunds for those who have already paid, the scheme aims to make education more accessible while improving public transport usage among students.
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