The West Bengal government has announced that women will be able to travel for free on all government buses starting June 1. This marks the fulfillment of a key election promise made by the BJP ahead of the state elections.

Under the scheme, women will be eligible for free travel on both short-distance and long-distance government bus routes across the state. The transport department has issued an official notification detailing the implementation plan.

As part of the initiative, the government will introduce a digital smart card with a QR code containing the beneficiary’s photo and details. Women can apply for the card through Block Development Officers or Sub-Divisional Officers, submitting a photo and a valid identity document along with their application.

Since the distribution of smart cards may take time, the government has arranged an interim arrangement. From June 1 itself, women can travel for free by showing a photo identity card at the time of boarding. In such cases, the conductor on duty will issue a zero-value ticket or thermal paper ticket.

Transport Minister Suvendu Adhikari confirmed the decision, stating that the scheme aims to promote women’s empowerment and improve mobility for women across the state.

West Bengal will become the eighth state in India to implement free bus travel for women. This development comes even as Kerala is also preparing to launch a similar scheme from June 15. However, in Kerala, discussions are still ongoing regarding which categories of KSRTC buses will be covered, with concerns about potential financial losses to the corporation.