Kolkata, June 1: The Government of West Bengal has rolled out a landmark initiative offering free travel for women on all state-run buses across the state from June 1. The scheme aims to enhance women’s mobility, reduce transportation expenses, and support education and employment opportunities for lakhs of female commuters.
According to official notifications issued by the state’s Transport Department, women residents of West Bengal will be able to travel free of cost on both short-route and long-route state-operated buses. The government has stated that the initiative is intended to strengthen women’s empowerment and improve access to public transportation across urban and rural areas.
As part of the implementation process, eligible beneficiaries will eventually receive QR code-enabled smart cards. Until the cards are issued, women passengers can avail themselves of the benefit by showing a valid government-issued photo identity card and obtaining a zero-value ticket from the bus conductor.
The announcement has been widely welcomed by women commuters, particularly students and working professionals who depend on public transport daily.
Speaking to local media during an interaction at a bus stand, a female student said the scheme would significantly reduce travel expenses for students who commute regularly for education. She described the government’s decision as a convenient and beneficial step that would help many young women manage their daily transportation costs.
Another regular passenger expressed happiness over the initiative, stating that women who travel daily for work often face challenges due to crowded buses and rising travel expenses. She said the free travel facility would make commuting easier and provide greater support to women passengers.
Several women interviewed during the public interaction described the decision as a positive and thoughtful measure. They said the scheme would bring financial relief to thousands of families and encourage safer and more accessible travel for women throughout the state.
The free bus travel programme places West Bengal among several Indian states that have introduced similar measures to promote women’s participation in education, employment, and public life by reducing transportation costs.
Officials believe the initiative will particularly benefit students, office-goers, domestic workers, and women from economically weaker sections who rely heavily on public transport for their daily commute. The scheme is expected to have a far-reaching impact on women’s mobility and financial independence across the state.
