Which Indian states offer free bus travel for women? Here’s the list:
Over the past few years, several Indian states have introduced free or subsidised bus travel schemes for women in an effort to improve mobility, safety, financial independence, and access to education and employment. While some states are now digitising their existing systems, others are expanding services or introducing new initiatives aimed at making public transport more accessible for women.
Here’s a look at some of the major free bus travel schemes currently operational, or set to launch soon, across India:
Delhi’s Pink Ticket system, first introduced in 2019, is set for a major technological revamp. Women travelling free in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Cluster buses may soon have to use a ‘Pink Saheli Smart Card’ instead of the familiar pink paper tickets.
The Delhi government is preparing to gradually digitise the scheme starting in July. Under the proposed model, women passengers availing free travel will need to carry and tap the smart card while boarding buses so that every journey can be digitally recorded.
The Pink Ticket initiative was originally launched to encourage greater use of public transport among women and improve affordability and accessibility across the city.
Punjab also introduced its free bus travel for women in April 2021. The initiative covers government-owned buses. Women residents need identity proof such as Aadhaar or voter cards to avail the benefit. For travellers exploring various cities in Punjab like Amritsar and Chandigarh, the scheme has made local mobility easier and cheaper
West Bengal is also preparing to launch free bus travel for women beginning June 1. The scheme aims to reduce daily travel expenses, improve the mobility of women and support them overall.
The move comes alongside the state’s broader welfare initiatives and is expected to benefit thousands of women who depend on public buses for daily commuting.
Karnataka introduced the ‘Shakti’ scheme in June 2023 and soon after its launch it became the talk of the nation! Reason being, women can travel free on non-luxury government buses across the state. The scheme opened up budget-friendly access to tourist destinations like Mysuru, Hampi and Coorg, among others.
Here’s a look at some of the major free bus travel schemes currently operational, or set to launch soon, across India:
Delhi plans digital upgrade to ‘Pink Ticket’ scheme
Delhi’s Pink Ticket system, first introduced in 2019, is set for a major technological revamp. Women travelling free in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Cluster buses may soon have to use a ‘Pink Saheli Smart Card’ instead of the familiar pink paper tickets.
The Delhi government is preparing to gradually digitise the scheme starting in July. Under the proposed model, women passengers availing free travel will need to carry and tap the smart card while boarding buses so that every journey can be digitally recorded.
The Pink Ticket initiative was originally launched to encourage greater use of public transport among women and improve affordability and accessibility across the city.
Punjab focuses on social impact
Punjab also introduced its free bus travel for women in April 2021. The initiative covers government-owned buses. Women residents need identity proof such as Aadhaar or voter cards to avail the benefit. For travellers exploring various cities in Punjab like Amritsar and Chandigarh, the scheme has made local mobility easier and cheaper
West Bengal to roll out free bus travel from June
West Bengal is also preparing to launch free bus travel for women beginning June 1. The scheme aims to reduce daily travel expenses, improve the mobility of women and support them overall.
The move comes alongside the state’s broader welfare initiatives and is expected to benefit thousands of women who depend on public buses for daily commuting.
Karnataka’s Shakti Scheme transformed women’s commuting
Karnataka introduced the ‘Shakti’ scheme in June 2023 and soon after its launch it became the talk of the nation! Reason being, women can travel free on non-luxury government buses across the state. The scheme opened up budget-friendly access to tourist destinations like Mysuru, Hampi and Coorg, among others.
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