Kolkata: The West Bengal government has announced free travel for women in all state-run buses across the state from June 1, in a move aimed at boosting women’s empowerment and improving access to public transport.
According to a Transport Department notification issued on May 21, free transportation will be available to all women of West Bengal in both short-route and long-route state-run buses across various categories.
To implement the scheme, the state government will introduce a digital Smart Card with a QR code, photo, and beneficiary details. Women can apply for the card through the concerned BDO or SDO offices.
Applicants will need to submit identity documents such as Aadhaar Card, EPIC, PAN Card, Passport, Driving Licence, Ayushman Bharat Card, government-issued ID cards, or other approved identification documents along with a recent photograph.
Until Smart Cards are issued, women commuters can avail of the free travel facility by showing any valid government-issued photo ID. During this interim period, conductors will issue “Zero Value Tickets” or thermal paper tickets after verification.
The notification stated that the decision was approved by the Finance Department and the state Cabinet. The scheme will officially come into effect on June 1, 2026.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: deccanchronicle.com
