Women-First Bus Travel Initiatives Gain Momentum Across India
Delhi, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal: The rise of women-first bus travel in India
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
Several Indian states, including Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, are implementing free or subsidized bus travel schemes for women to enhance mobility and safety. These initiatives aim to improve women's access to education, employment, and public transport, with significant upgrades in technology and service expansion.
- 01Delhi is digitizing its Pink Ticket scheme for free bus travel for women.
- 02West Bengal will launch free bus travel for women starting June 1, 2026.
- 03Tamil Nadu's 'Vidiyal Payanam' scheme has been instrumental for working women and students.
- 04Karnataka's Shakti Scheme, introduced in 2023, offers free travel on government buses.
- 05Jammu and Kashmir launched dedicated free city bus services for women in March 2025.
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In recent years, various Indian states have rolled out initiatives aimed at providing free or subsidized bus travel for women, enhancing their mobility and safety. Delhi is set to digitize its 'Pink Ticket' scheme, transitioning to a 'Pink Saheli Smart Card' system to better track journeys. Meanwhile, West Bengal plans to implement free bus travel for women starting June 1, 2026, as part of its broader welfare efforts. Tamil Nadu's 'Vidiyal Payanam' scheme, introduced in 2021, has significantly aided women commuters, particularly working women and students. Karnataka's Shakti Scheme, launched in 2023, allows women to travel for free on state-run buses, quickly gaining popularity. Additionally, Jammu and Kashmir introduced dedicated free city bus services for women on International Women’s Day in 2025, focusing on safety and accessibility. These initiatives collectively aim to empower women by improving their access to essential services and promoting independence in public transport usage.
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These initiatives are expected to significantly improve women's access to education and employment, reduce transportation costs, and enhance safety in public transport.
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