West Bengal govt announces free travel for women in govt buses

The state government in West Bengal, India, is providing free travel to women in government buses. From June 1, women will be able to travel free of charge in all government buses in the state.

The proposal in this regard was given in principle approval in the second cabinet meeting of the new state government on Monday (May 18). State Women and Child Welfare Minister Agnimitra Pal informed reporters after the meeting. She said that this facility is being introduced as per the election promise. For now, it will be implemented within the current transport structure without increasing the number of government buses. However, she also said that the matter will be considered seriously in the June budget.

The minister also said that as per the plan of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, new electric buses will be introduced in phases and cabinet meetings will be held every 15 days.

It is worth noting that the BJP formed the government in the state for the first time in the state after the election results were announced on May 4, ending the long-standing Trinamool rule in West Bengal. The new government took this women-friendly decision after coming to power.