In a recent update, the new government of West Bengal has announced free bus service for women commuters (on government-run buses) from June 1, 2026. It is a major shift in public transport accessibility across the state, and the move is expected to benefit students, office-goers, domestic workers, solo travellers, and women exploring Bengal. But did you know, there are other states too which over the past few years have introduced free or subsidised bus travel schemes for women.
As per government-backed information platform Vikaspedia, at least seven Indian states and Union Territories are offering some form of free bus travel for women on public transport systems. For female travellers, these schemes are quite important and are transforming how women travel across cities and states.
On this note, let’s have a look at other Indian states and regions where women can ride government buses for free.