West Bengal announces free bus travel for women across state-run buses from June 1
Kolkata, May 24
The West Bengal government has announced free travel for women in all state-run buses across the state, which would be effective June 1 in a major move aimed at enhancing women's empowerment and improving access to public transport.
According to a notification issued by the Transport Department on May 21, the Government of West Bengal wrote, "In order to enhance women's empowerment and to improve their access to transport facilities, the Government of West Bengal has decided to implement a scheme for free transportation for women of the state in all state-run buses in West Bengal."
The notification further stated that "free transportation shall be provided in all state-run buses to all women of West Bengal," covering "all short-route and long-route state-run buses for public service in various categories of buses."
As part of the implementation mechanism, the state government will introduce a Smart Card (digital with QR code) for beneficiaries. The notification said that "one Smart Card (digital with QR code) with the photo and name of the beneficiary will be issued to each woman beneficiary on application, to be submitted to the BDO/SDO having jurisdiction."
For issuance of the card, applicants will need to submit supporting documents including "(i) Aadhar Card, (ii) Elector's Photo Identity Card (EPIC), (iii) VB-G RAMG Job Card (Grameen Rozgar Gurantee Card), (iv) Ayushman Bharat Health Card, (v) Driving Licence, (vi) PAN Card, (vii) Indian Passport, (viii) Pension document with photograph, (ix) Service Identity Cards with photograph issued to employees by Central/State government/PSUs/Public Limited Companies, (x) Official Identity Card issued by Schools/Colleges/Universities and (xi) any other ID card issued by Government of West Bengal, along with recent photograph of the beneficiary."
The notification added that until the smart cards are issued, "for immediate rollout and till issuance of smart card, identification of beneficiaries will be allowed on the basis of any Photo ID card as mentioned above issued by the competent authority of the Government."
During this interim period, "issuance of 'Zero Value Ticket'/Thermal Paper Ticket' will be issued to women commuters upon request to the on-duty Conductor after ID verification."
It further stated, "Now, in view of the above, the Governor is pleased to order that free transportation will be provided to all women of West Bengal in all state-run buses across the state of West Bengal to enhance women's empowerment."
The order has been issued with concurrence of the Finance Department vide "UO No. Group R/2026-2027/0018 dated 16.05.2026" and approval of the Cabinet vide "No. T-D-2 dated 18.05.2026."
The scheme will come into effect from June 1, 2026, the notification said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Sounds good on paper, but what about the practical issues? Buses in Kolkata are already overcrowded. Free travel for women might make it worse for everyone. Also, who will pay for this? Taxpayers like me already struggling with petrol prices. 😔
Finally, someone thinking about women's safety and mobility! In Bengal, women are the backbone of our society - from fish markets to offices. This will help reduce harassment on public transport too when more women travel together. Kudos to the state government! 👏
Honestly, why only state-run buses? Most women in rural areas rely on private buses. And the ID requirement is problematic - many rural women don't have Aadhaar or voter ID. The scheme needs to be more inclusive. But I appreciate the intention.
Wise decision by Didi! In countries like France and Kenya, similar schemes have worked well. Smart card system will ensure only genuine beneficiaries use it. Just hope buses don't become too crowded during peak hours - maybe they should increase frequency too.
My mother used to walk 3 km to work because bus fare was too much for our family. This would have changed her life. But the implementation needs to be watertight - no corruption in issuing smart cards and no harassment from conductors. Let's see how it goes.
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