Kolkata, 21 July (H.S.) : West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday indicated that the state government may introduce changes to the ticketing system under its free bus travel scheme for women. He said the Transport Department is working on an alternative mechanism for women passengers who voluntarily wish to pay their bus fare.

The announcement was made during the inauguration of 50 new eco-friendly state-run buses at the Transport Bhavan in Kasba, Kolkata.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the government remains committed to continuing the free travel facility for women. However, he added that passengers who prefer to purchase tickets despite being eligible for the scheme will be given that option through a separate arrangement.

The free travel scheme for women was launched after the BJP government assumed office in West Bengal. Under the initiative, women are issued Pink Smart Cards, allowing them to travel on state-run buses without paying a fare. According to the government, the scheme has benefited a large number of women commuters across the state.

However, a section of working and financially independent women has expressed reservations about the current system. They argue that they prefer to pay the prescribed fare from their own earnings rather than travel free of cost.

Some women commuters have also alleged that after the withdrawal of the regular ticketing process, bus drivers or conductors occasionally fail to stop at designated bus stops upon seeing women passengers waiting to board, leading to inconvenience. These concerns have prompted discussions over the implementation of the scheme.

During the event, the Chief Minister also reiterated the government's commitment to promoting environmentally sustainable public transport. He flagged off 50 new state-run buses, including 43 CNG-powered buses and seven battery-operated electric buses.

He said more eco-friendly buses will be added to the state's public transport fleet in the coming months to make commuting safer, cleaner and more efficient.

Transport Minister Arjun Singh, Chief Secretary Manoj Agrawal and senior officials of the Transport Department were also present at the event. The government said the induction of modern, environment-friendly buses is part of its broader strategy to strengthen and modernise West Bengal's public transport system.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh