Karnataka Disabled People Buses Concessional Passes: Everything You Need to Know
The BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation) has been giving discounted bus passes to physically challenged people in Bengaluru for the last 15 years. Every year, around 1,800 people benefit from this scheme.
From 2025, BMTC will start issuing these concessional passes again, following government orders.
While the scheme is helpful, it still faces problems like poor execution and limited access, making it hard for everyone to use.
BMTC Concessional Bus Passes for Disabled People
Prabhakara Reddy GT, Chief Traffic Manager (Operations), shared details about concessional bus passes for disabled people.
- Passes for people with at least 40% disability cost Rs 660 for one year.
- For those with 100% vision impairment, the passes are free and valid for three years.
- Applications must be submitted online via the Seva Sindhu portal, and renewals are done at 12 centres across Bengaluru.
Issues with the Seva Sindhu Portal
What is Seva Sindhu Portal?
Seva Sindhu is the common citizen service portal/facility of Government of Karnataka to
provide government related services and other information in one place.
Users like Aman, who depend on these passes, say the Seva Sindhu portal is not user-friendly.
“We want to be independent, but the portal doesn’t let us,” he said.
- The portal often crashes and doesn’t work with assistive tools like JAWS software.
- This forces visually impaired users to rely on others for help.
- Rizwan shared his struggle of 20 days trying to complete the application with help, only to face long queues at the Majestic bus station.
Ajay, from the Association for People with Disabilities, criticised the process for requiring too much paperwork.
“We should be able to access services just by showing our UDID card,” she suggested.
Concerns About Pass Renewals
Reddy explained that passes are valid for 12 months and expire on December 31, but their validity is extended until February 28 to give users extra time for renewal.
However, SSP Iyer from Malleswaram pointed out problems with internal communication.
“Even though the extension is announced on the website and depot boards, disabled people
are often asked to pay for tickets or forced to get off buses after their pass expires,” he said.
Suggestions for Improvement
Users and advocates suggested several changes to make the system better:
- Audio announcements at bus stops for better accessibility.
- Simpler processes for applying and renewing passes.
- Baetter communication about rules and extensions.
- Sensitivity training for BMTC staff to treat disabled people with compassion and respect.
They urged the BMTC to make services more accessible and support disabled people in leading independent lives.
How to Apply for Concessional Passes
The BMTC will begin offering discounted bus passes for differently abled people in 2025, as directed by the government.
How to Apply
- You can apply for new passes online through the Seva Sindhu portal.
- These passes will be available at the Kempegowda bus stand.
- For renewals, you can visit any BMTC station.
- You can also download pdf shows steps to apply Click Here to download.
Key Information
- 2024 passes will remain valid until February 28, 2025 to give extra time for renewal.
- Please renew your pass before February 28 by submitting the required documents.
- The cost for new passes or renewals is Rs 660.
This system is here to make travel easier and more accessible for differently abled individuals, helping them move around the city with less hassle.
Designated Bus Stations for Renewal of Passes
You can renew your concessional bus pass at the following designated BMTC stations:
- Kempegowda bus station
- Shivajinagar bus station
- KR Market
- Shantinagar TTMC
- Jayanagar TTMC
- Banashankari TTMC
- Kengeri TTMC
- Hoskote bus station
- Vijayanagara TTMC
- Yeshwantpur TTMC
- Whitefield TTMC
- Yelahanka Old Town
- Domlur TTMC
These stations will help you easily complete your pass renewal process.