West Bengal approved free bus travel for women in state-run buses on 18 May 2026, alongside the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme. The free travel facility is set to start on 1 June 2026 and will apply to all state-run buses across West Bengal.
The announcement was made by West Bengal Minister Agnimitra Paul following a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
đ Coverage / Scope
The scheme covers all state-run transport undertakings operating across both rural networks and Kolkata metropolitan zones, under the Annapurna Yojana-linked Free Bus Scheme.
The scheme covers both intra-city and inter-city travel on government-operated bus services, including CTC (Calcutta Tramways) and state transport buses.
â Eligibility
All women residing in West Bengal are eligible for free travel. They simply need to show valid identity proof like Aadhaar or Voter ID when boarding.
The likely eligibility criteria include women aged 25 to 60 years, permanent residency in West Bengal, a name on the voter list, an Aadhaar-linked bank account, and membership of a low-income household or EWS category. The scheme is designed for women in both rural and urban areas of West Bengal.
Those who have applied for citizenship under the CAA and members of tribunals formed for inclusion in the voter list will also be eligible to receive benefits under the Annapurna Scheme.
đ Documents Required
Based on current information, women will likely need:
- Aadhaar Card (as identity proof)
- Voter ID (as residence proof)
- Any other valid government-issued photo ID showing West Bengal domicile
đ¯ Who Benefits the Most?
The program has been designed to encourage more women to use public transport, improving their mobility for work, education, and personal errands â particularly beneficial for working women and students from economically weaker backgrounds.
đ Key Dates at a Glance
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Scheme announced (1st Cabinet Meeting) | 11 May 2026 |
| Cabinet approval of free bus travel | 18 May 2026 |
| Free bus travel begins | 1 June 2026 |
đ Connection to Annapurna Bhandar Scheme
Beyond the cash transfer of âš3,000/month, the cabinet also cleared this additional landmark benefit of free travel for women in state-run buses. Both benefits â the monthly cash and free bus travel â start simultaneously from June 1, 2026.
â ī¸ Important Note
The full eligibility and document details for the West Bengal free bus travel scheme are not yet officially published. Women are advised to carry a valid photo ID (Aadhaar/Voter ID) when boarding state buses from 1 June 2026, and watch the official West Bengal government portal for any updated guidelines closer to the launch date.
