“Provide free transportation for women in all state-run buses.”
🛡️ Verified Ground-Level Operational Proof
To ensure full transparency, we track direct verifiable evidence of this scheme’s implementation on the ground by combining independent citizen reports with official media coverage.
📺 Official Video & News Broadcasts
Watch official broadcasts and examine news reports covering the on-ground rollout of this scheme.
📋 Detailed Tracking History
The free bus travel scheme for women officially rolled out across West Bengal on June 1, 2026. Under the initiative, women can travel free of cost on all short-route and long-route state-run buses operated by WBTC, SBSTC, and NBSTC by presenting a valid photo identity document.
The state government plans to issue digital photo-bearing smart cards to beneficiaries to streamline the process and prevent misuse, while passengers have already requested an increase in the frequency of state buses to meet high demand.
While the free bus ride scheme has been welcomed, passengers have highlighted that the frequency and overall number of state-run buses have decreased sharply since the COVID-19 pandemic, with several routes vanishing over recent years, leading to overcrowding and commuting difficulties.
The state government confirmed that the free bus travel scheme for women is set to commence on June 1, 2026. The Transport Department has completed preparations, including deploying WBTC officers at major terminals and training conductors to issue zero-balance thermal tickets to women presenting any of the twelve approved identity documents.
For long-distance routes, 'zero-balance tickets' will be issued at origin bus stands, with the government providing fare subsidies for each female passenger carried.
The Transport Department issued Notification No. 1723-WT/TPT/18011/30/2026 on May 21, 2026, officially enacting free bus travel for all women in West Bengal starting June 1, 2026. Women can initially travel by showing any valid government photo ID to receive a Zero Value Ticket, but must eventually transition to a QR-coded Smart Card.
The free travel scheme is strictly limited to state-run buses (WBTC, SBSTC, NBSTC) and excludes private buses. Historical transport data indicates private buses operate about 80% of routes in West Bengal, significantly limiting the policy's real-world coverage.
Currently, the official notice is inaccessible from the government portal due to technical issues. An alternate X (formerly Twitter) link from IANS news agency is provided for verification, which will be updated to the official direct link once accessible.
On May 18, 2026, the state cabinet gave policy approval to allow free travel for women in government-run buses, effective June 1, 2026. The state government announced that the scheme will initially utilize the existing fleet and infrastructure of state-run transport systems.
While no immediate expansion of the fleet is planned, the administration indicated that a proposal for new electric buses would be introduced in the upcoming June budget session.
The cabinet approved free travel for women in state-run buses starting June 1, 2026. No official gazette notification published yet — tracking cabinet statement only.
📁 Official Notices & Gazette Documents
⚖️ Public Accountability & Permanent Record: This page serves as a long-term historical record. Even after a promise is marked as "Fulfilled," we will continue to post new updates here to track any policy reversals or the long-term efficacy of the scheme on the ground. Any future lapses in implementation will be documented here.