West Bengal government notifies free bus travel for women in State-run buses from June 1

Key points

• The West Bengal government has notified free bus travel for women in all State government-run buses from June 1, 2026, as part of a scheme aimed at enhancing women's empowerment and improving access to public transport.
• According to a notification issued by the State Transport Department on May 21, women commuters will be eligible for free travel in both short-route and long-route State-run buses operating in West Bengal.
• Also Read | Free ride for women: KSRTC introduces gender ticketing in Kerala The Transport Department notification said a smart card with QR code, photograph, and beneficiary details will be issued to all eligible women upon application through the concerned BDO or SDO offices.
• It said the smart card shall be issued to women of the State based on supporting documents such as Aadhaar card, Elector's Photo Identity Card (EPIC), VB-G RAMG job card, Ayushman Bharat health card, driving license, PAN card,...