Bus travel in India has always been important, with thousands of people commuting every day. Government-run buses are widely used by women travellers as well. The good news is that places like Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Punjab, Delhi, Telangana, Jammu & Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka have announced free bus travel for women. Read on to know more!
Free Bus Travel Rolled Out For Women
Eight states and one Union Territory have announced free bus travel for women, but each has different rules. According to The Hindu, Tamil Nadu introduced the ‘Vidiyal Payanam Thittam’ scheme in May 2021 for women, transgender persons, and persons with disabilities. Just four years later, in May 2025, the scheme had facilitated 680.02 crore free rides, and the share of women travellers increased from 40% to 70%.
On June 1, 2026, West Bengal implemented free bus travel under the ‘Annapurna Bhandar’ scheme. To avail of the free bus ride, women need to show a smart card with a QR code. The conductor scans it and then issues a ‘zero-ticket’, meaning no fare is charged for the journey. However, this benefit is currently available only to women.
Delhi introduced free bus travel for women and transgender persons in October 2019. Initially, eligible passengers were given free tickets by the conductor. Later, in March 2025, the system was upgraded with the introduction of the ‘Pink Saheli Smart Card’, making the process even more convenient. Punjab, on the other hand, rolled out its free bus travel scheme in 2021. The benefit is available on government-run buses.
Where Else This Free Travel Is Available In India?
On June 11, 2023, Karnataka made travelling easier for women with the launch of the ‘Shakti Scheme’. Women who are residents of Karnataka can travel for free on non-premium government buses across the state. All they need to do is show a valid ID proof that confirms their Karnataka residency.
The Hindu reported that Kerala launched the ‘Priyadarshini Scheme’ on June 15, 2026, bringing free bus travel for women and transgender persons. The benefit is available on selected KSRTC ordinary bus services. To help passengers, special stickers were placed on eligible buses so they can spot them easily.
Telangana launched the ‘Mahalakshmi’ scheme in December 2023, allowing women, girls, and transgender persons to travel for free on most government-run buses. The scheme quickly became popular, and by March 2026, women had taken nearly 280 crore free bus trips.
On some state-run buses, Jammu & Kashmir announced free rides on April 1, 2025, using a similar ‘zero-ticket’ model. Andhra Pradesh joined the free bus travel movement in August 2025, allowing women, girl students, and transgender persons to travel without paying a fare. To avail the benefit, passengers need to show a valid identity card, such as an Aadhaar card, while boarding.
What are your thoughts on this free bus travel for women? Tell us in the comments below!
Also Read: After Free Bus Passes, BMCA Wants Free Metro Travel For Students In The City; Here’s Why
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/ Reji Jacob
FAQs
Which places in India is offering free bus rides to women?
In India, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Punjab, Delhi, Telangana, Jammu & Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka are offering free bus rides in women.