Kolkata: The West Bengal government on Monday launched free rides for women in state-run buses on all routes, bringing joy to them.
Women heading to work during the morning rush hours demanded an increase in the number of government bus trips.
In line with the promise made by the BJP in its assembly election manifesto, the Suvendu Adhikari government has started free rides for women in state-run buses, a party official said.
“I am happy, but the number of government bus trips should be increased,” Mala Biswas said as she took the bus from Ballygunge station to her workplace on Park Street in central Kolkata.
She said the number of state-run buses has declined sharply since the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Many government-run bus routes have disappeared over the past few years, adding to the woes for commuters,” said Sumana Singh, who travels on a state-run air-conditioned bus to Salt Lake Sector V, an IT hub, from Gariahat in south Kolkata.
Manisha Barman, who travels to Cooch Behar from Siliguri on a North Bengal State Transport Corporation bus with her two daughters, said the nearly 170-km journey to their native village will become easier thanks to the scheme.
The government has provided free rides for women from June 1 in all buses of West Bengal Transport Corporation, South Bengal State Transport Corporation and North Bengal State Transport Corporation.
This step aims to enhance women’s empowerment and improve their access to transportation facilities.
The state government said it would issue digital smart cards, along with photos and names of beneficiaries, to ensure that the scheme is not misused.
