Kolkata, 01 June (H.S.) : The West Bengal government on Monday rolled out its much-anticipated scheme offering free travel for women on government-run buses across the state. Under the initiative, women passengers are no longer required to pay fares while travelling on state-operated buses and are being issued zero-fare tickets upon boarding.

The scheme has been implemented across West Bengal and covers both regular city and suburban routes as well as long-distance government bus services. The state government said the measure aims to reduce transportation costs for women and promote greater mobility.

To avail of the benefit, women passengers must produce a valid identity document. According to guidelines issued by the Transport Department, acceptable documents include Aadhaar Card, Voter Identity Card, MGNREGA Job Card, Ayushman Bharat Card, Driving Licence, PAN Card, Passport, photo-bearing pension documents, state or central government employee identity cards, and identity cards issued by schools, colleges or universities, among other government-approved documents.

Information notices regarding the scheme have been displayed on buses operated by state transport corporations and other government agencies. Conductors and drivers have also been provided training to ensure the smooth implementation of the zero-fare ticketing process.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said women would initially receive free tickets upon boarding buses. However, the government is considering issuing dedicated identification cards to women beneficiaries in the future to prevent misuse of the scheme and ensure that only eligible passengers receive the benefit. No timeline has yet been announced for the introduction of such cards.

The launch of the scheme was met with enthusiasm from women commuters across the state. Many passengers said the initiative would provide significant financial relief, particularly for those who rely on buses daily for work, education and other essential travel. They noted that the savings on transportation expenses would help reduce their monthly household costs.

Announcing the rollout on X, Chief Minister Adhikari said the state government remained committed to strengthening women's safety, social advancement, self-reliance and rights. He stated that the free bus travel scheme had been implemented in fulfilment of an electoral promise made by the government.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh