West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on May 23, 2026, that all women in the state will be eligible for free travel on state-run buses starting June 1, 2026. The initiative covers both short-route and long-route buses operated by the West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) and other state transport undertakings.
The scheme, named 'Kanyashree' after the state's existing women's welfare program, aims to enhance women's mobility and economic participation. Women can avail the benefit by showing any valid government-issued identity card, such as a voter ID or Aadhaar card, to the bus conductor.
According to the state government's official statement, the program is expected to benefit over 10 million women daily. The move is part of a broader effort to improve public transport accessibility and safety for women in the state.
Opposition parties have questioned the financial viability of the scheme, but the state government has allocated ₹1,200 crore (approximately $145 million) in the 2026-27 budget to cover the costs. The scheme will be reviewed after six months based on usage and feedback.
