Free Bus Pass for All Students: New Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar Announces Major Bonanza

By Political Bureau, Bangalore Mail

Published: June 3, 2026

BENGALURU: Hours after taking oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Congress leader DK Shivakumar announced a major welfare measure, declaring free bus passes for all school and college students across the state.

Addressing his maiden press conference following the first formal Cabinet meeting at Vidhana Soudha, CM Shivakumar stated that the free travel facility will be applicable to all state-run transport corporations, including KSRTC and BMTC. The move is aimed at easing the financial burden on families and encouraging higher education enrollment across rural and urban Karnataka.

A Massive Welfare Push for Students

The free bus pass initiative marks the first major policy declaration by the newly formed government under Shivakumar’s leadership. The scheme expands upon previous student concession frameworks, ensuring that every student—regardless of their socio-economic background—can commute to educational institutions at zero cost.

“Our administration is deeply committed to youth empowerment and accessible education,” Chief Minister DK Shivakumar told reporters. “By making public transport completely free for students across Karnataka, we are ensuring that no child is forced to drop out of school or college due to commuting costs.”

The transport department has been directed to immediately draw up the operational guidelines to ensure hassle-free distribution of these student passes through institutions and online portals.

Bengaluru Infrastructure and Youth Welfare Packages Announced

Beyond the DK Shivakumar free bus pass Karnataka initiative, the Chief Minister unveiled a slew of critical decisions targeted at urban infrastructure and youth development:

• ₹2,000 Crore Bengaluru Road Repair Fund: In a massive relief to Bengaluru residents, the CM allocated an additional ₹2,000 crore to repair roads severely damaged by recent heavy rains. The restoration project will blanket both the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) and the Greater Bengaluru Area (GBA) limits.

• Bharat Jodo Yuvaka Sanghas: To foster social harmony, sports, and leadership skills, the government will establish 10,000 youth clubs across the state. Each Sangha will be backed by a government grant of ₹10 lakh.

• Statewide B-Khata to A-Khata Conversion: Simplifying property regularisation, the property format conversion scheme previously restricted to Bengaluru will now be extended statewide. Furthermore, minor construction violations up to 20% on 2,500 sq. ft. plots will be regularised under a one-time relief scheme.

A New Chapter in Karnataka Politics

The landmark welfare announcements come on the heels of a high-profile swearing-in ceremony earlier in the day at Lok Bhavan, where Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot administered the oath of office to Shivakumar. Senior leader Dr. G Parameshwara was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister, alongside a fresh cabinet of 13 ministers.

With the rollout of the statewide free student bus pass, the Shivakumar-led administration has signaled a aggressive governance approach, blending heavy urban infrastructure spending with grassroots welfare schemes ahead of future electoral cycles.