Free Bus Travel For Women In West Bengal Begins June 1 No Smart Card Yet Check Alternative Documents

Free bus travel for women in West Bengal: The women in West Bengal will be able to travel free of cost on all state-run buses from Monday (June 1). It was one of the key promises made by the BJP in its election manifesto, alongside the Annapurna Bhandar Yojana. The scheme is aimed at enhancing women's empowerment and improving access to public transport. "Whereas in order to enhance womens' empowerment and to improve their access to transport facility, 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," reads the notification issued by West Bengal Transport Department on May 21. Also Read | Annapurna Bhandar Yojana in West Bengal: Rs 3,000 to be credited – How to link Aadhaar with bank account Free bus travel for women in West Bengal from June 1: Who is eligible and how to apply for a Smart Card According to the notification, all women residing in West Bengal will be eligible to avail free travel on both short-route and long-route state-run buses. To facilitate the scheme, the state government will issue a digital Smart Card (with a QR code), along with the beneficiary's photograph and name. Those women, who are wishing to avail the benefit must apply for the card by submitting an application to their respective Block Development Officer (BDO) or Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) office. The Smart Card will be issued upon submission of valid identity documents, including an Aadhaar card, Elector's Photo Identity Card (EPIC), Grameen Rozgar Guarantee Card, Ayushman Bharat Health Card, driving licence, PAN card, Indian passport, pension document carrying a photograph or any other government-issued identity proof. The list also includes official identity cards issued by schools, colleges and universities, as well as any identity card issued by the Government of West Bengal. Applicants will also be required to submit a recent photograph while applying for the Smart Card. Free Bus Travel for Women in West Bengal (w.e.f. June 1) West Bengal Government: Free travel for women passengers in all state-run buses — short route & long route Smart Card (Digital with QR Code) FREE Travel for All Women Valid across all categories of West Bengal state-run buses | Apply at BDO/SDO office Available On All Bus Types 🚌 Short Route Buses 🚍 Long Route Buses 🏛️ State-Run Public Service Buses 📋 All Categories of Buses Documents Required to Get Smart Card iAadhaar Card iiElector's Photo Identity Card (EPIC) iiiV-B-G RAMG Job Card (Grameen Rozgar Guarantee Card) ivAyushman Bharat Health Card vDriving License viPAN Card viiIndian Passport viiiPension document with photograph ixService Identity Card (Central/State Govt/PSUs/Public Ltd Companies) xOfficial ID Card issued by Schools/Colleges/Universities xiAny ID card issued by Govt. of West Bengal + recent photograph How to Apply: Submit application with supporting documents to the BDO/SDO having jurisdiction. A Smart Card with photo and name will be issued to each beneficiary. Express InfoGenIE What is a zero-value ticket? How women will travel free on government buses in West Bengal However, till the issuance of Smart Cards, women passengers can avail the free travel facility by producing any valid photo identity document, such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID card, driving licence, passport or other government-issued ID. The bus conductor will issue a "zero-value ticket" to the passenger, upon verification of the identity document, enabling her to travel free of cost. "Whereas it is also decided that for immediate rollout and till issuance of smart card, identification of beneficiaries will be allowed on the basis of any Photo ID card as mentioned above issued by 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," reads the statement. West Bengal Women's Free Bus Travel: How to Board Till Smart Card Issuance Immediate Rollout: Women can travel free in state-run buses even before Smart Card is issued Interim Arrangement (Till Smart Card is Issued) Identification of beneficiaries will be allowed on the basis of any Photo ID Card issued by a competent authority of the Government — no Smart Card required to begin travelling. 🎫 Zero Value Ticket Issued to women commuters upon request to the on-duty Conductor after ID verification 🧾 Thermal Paper Ticket Issued to women commuters upon request to the on-duty Conductor after ID verification 1 Board state-run bus with any Govt-issued Photo ID 2 Request the on-duty Conductor for free travel ticket 3 Show Photo ID for verification by Conductor 4 Receive Zero Value / Thermal Paper Ticket & travel free Express InfoGenIE