• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. Women get free bus travel from June 1, 2026.
  2. Scheme enhances women's empowerment and transport access.
  3. Apply for Smart Card; use photo ID temporarily.

West Bengal: Starting Monday, June 1, women in West Bengal will be able to travel free of charge on all state-run buses. The initiative aims to enhance women's empowerment and improve access to public transport.

"Whereas in order to enhance women’s empowerment and to improve their access to transport facilities, the Government of West Bengal has decided to implement a scheme for free transportation for women of the state in all state-run buses of West Bengal…This will come into effect from 1st June, 2026," a notification issued by the West Bengal Transport Department read.

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Free Bus Travel For Women In Bengal: Check Eligibility

According to the notification, all women residing in West Bengal are eligible for free travel on both short-route and long-route state-run buses. To facilitate this scheme, the state government will issue digital Smart Cards featuring a QR code, the beneficiary's photograph, and their name.

How To Avail?

Women who wish to avail the benefit of the scheme must submit an application along with their recent photograph to their respective Block Development Officer (BDO) or Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) office.

List Of Accepted Documents

According to a report by news agency PTI, the Smart Card will be issued upon the submission of valid identity documents, including:

- Aadhaar Card

- Voter ID Card

- Ayushman Bharat Health Card

- Driving Licence

- PAN Card

- Passport

- Pension document with a photograph

- Government/PSU ID card

- School, college or university ID card

- VB-G Ram G Employment Card

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What To Do Till Smart Cards Are Issued?

Until the Smart Cards are issued, women can avail the free travel facility on state-run buses by presenting any valid photo identity document, such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID card, driving licence, passport, or other government-issued ID.

Upon verifying the passenger's photo identity documents, the bus conductor will issue a 'zero-value ticket', enabling the passengers to travel free of cost.

"Whereas it is also decided that for immediate rollout and till issuance of the smart card, identification of beneficiaries will be allowed on the basis of any Photo ID card as mentioned above, issued by the competent authority of the Government. Issuance of ‘Zero Value Ticket’ / ‘Thermal Paper Ticket’ will be issued to women commuters upon request to the on-duty Conductor after ID verification," the notification read.


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