4 min learnNew DelhiCould 14, 2026 10:00 PM IST
Over the previous few years, a number of Indian states have launched free or subsidised bus journey schemes for ladies in an effort to enhance mobility, security, monetary independence, and entry to training and employment. Whereas some states are actually digitising their present programs, others are increasing companies or introducing new initiatives geared toward making public transport extra accessible for ladies.
Right here’s a take a look at a number of the main free bus journey schemes presently operational, or set to launch quickly, throughout India.
Delhi plans digital improve to ‘Pink Ticket’ scheme
Delhi’s Pink Ticket system, first launched in 2019, is about for a serious technological revamp. Ladies travelling free in Delhi Transport Company (DTC) and Cluster buses might quickly have to make use of a “Pink Saheli Sensible Card” as a substitute of the acquainted pink paper tickets.
The Delhi authorities is making ready to progressively digitise the scheme beginning in July. Underneath the proposed mannequin, girls passengers availing free journey might want to carry and faucet the good card whereas boarding buses so that every journey can be digitally recorded.
The Pink Ticket initiative was initially launched to encourage larger use of public transport amongst girls and enhance affordability and accessibility throughout town.
𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘀 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟭.
Authorities of West Bengal has confirmed that each one girls throughout Bengal would be capable to journey free on authorities buses from June 1. The State Transport Division can also be exploring the opportunity of issuing a… pic.twitter.com/WaHR4f1QiD
— The West Bengal Index (@TheBengalIndex) May 12, 2026
Tamil Nadu’s ‘Vidiyal Payanam’
Tamil Nadu launched its “Vidiyal Payanam” scheme in 2021, permitting girls to journey free on government-operated buses.The initiative has emerged as one of many state authorities’s main welfare programmes centered on girls’s mobility and financial help.
The programme has significantly benefited working girls, college students, and every day wage earners who rely closely on public transport for on a regular basis commuting.
Karnataka’s Shakti Scheme remodeled girls’s commuting
Launched in 2023, Karnataka’s Shakti Scheme gives free bus journey for ladies throughout the state on government-run buses. Underneath the initiative, girls beneficiaries can journey with out paying fares on eligible Karnataka state transport buses. The scheme rapidly grew to become one of many state’s most generally mentioned welfare measures resulting from its large-scale influence on every day commuters.
Story continues under this advert
Punjab focuses on social inclusion by way of transport
Punjab launched free bus journey for ladies in 2021 with broader social welfare targets in thoughts. The scheme aimed to facilitate larger mobility for ladies whereas enhancing entry to essential companies corresponding to training, healthcare, and employment alternatives.
By decreasing transportation prices, policymakers hoped to help social inclusion and encourage extra girls to independently use public transport systems across the state.
Jammu & Kashmir launches devoted free metropolis bus companies
In a newer initiative, the Jammu and Srinagar Municipal Firms launched free metropolis bus companies solely for ladies on Worldwide Ladies’s Day in 2025.
Devoted fleets now function inside municipal boundaries in each Jammu and Srinagar, providing safer and extra accessible transportation choices for ladies commuters. The initiative was launched with a give attention to security, comfort, and enhancing girls’s confidence in utilizing public transport infrastructure.
Story continues under this advert
West Bengal to roll out free bus journey from June
West Bengal can also be making ready to launch free bus journey for ladies starting June 1. Studies recommend that the state transport division is contemplating implementing the scheme by way of a “pink ticket” or zero-fare ticketing system.
The transfer comes alongside the state’s broader welfare initiatives and is predicted to learn hundreds of girls who rely on public buses for every day commuting.
