West Bengal Transport Corporation
West Bengal Free Bus Travel for Women 2026: BJP Poll Promise
Objective
The Free Bus Travel Scheme for Women is part of the BJP government's 'Oath of Trust' (Shapat er Pratigya) election promise, giving all women in West Bengal free travel on state-run government buses. Eliminating daily commute costs for working women, students, and homemakers across the state.
Eligibility Criteria
- All women residents of West Bengal
- No age limit, no income limit. Scheme covers all women
- No prior registration required
- Valid only on state-run buses (WBSTC and CSTC operated buses)
- Private buses, mini-vans, and app-based transport are not covered
Benefits & Features
- 1100% free travel on all WBSTC and CSTC state-run bus routes
- 2Saves ₹1,200 to 2,500/month for regular women commuters
- 3Covers short-route intra-city and long-route inter-district state buses
- 4Zero-value ticket or thermal paper ticket issued by conductor as proof of free travel
Required Documents
- Any valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar card, voter ID, PAN card)
- No registration or pre-enrollment required
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
| Who launched the Free Bus Travel Scheme for Women in West Bengal? | It was launched by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP government on June 1, 2026 as part of the party's 'Oath of Trust' election promises. It is not a Mamata Banerjee or TMC scheme. |
| Do I need to register anywhere for this scheme? | No registration at all. Just board a WBSTC or CSTC state-run bus and show your Aadhaar card or voter ID to the conductor. You get a zero-value free ticket. |
| Does this apply to private buses? | No. Only state-run buses operated by WBSTC (West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation) and CSTC (Calcutta State Transport Corporation) are covered. Private operators, mini-vans, and ridesharing apps are not part of this scheme. |
Official Portal & Helpline
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1What Is the Free Bus Travel Scheme?
As one of its first acts after winning the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election, the BJP government under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari launched free bus travel for all women on state-run buses. A promise made during the campaign under the "Oath of Trust" (Shapat er Pratigya) manifesto.
The scheme went live on June 1, 2026. From that date, any woman in West Bengal can board a WBSTC or CSTC state-run bus and travel completely free. No fare, no registration, no special card.
This is a BJP government scheme launched by CM Suvendu Adhikari. Not related to Mamata Banerjee or the TMC government.
2How Simple Is It to Use?
Extremely simple:
- Go to any state bus stop
- Board a WBSTC or CSTC state-run bus
- Show your Aadhaar card or voter ID to the conductor
- Conductor gives you a zero-value ticket (free)
- Travel anywhere on that route
No app, no QR code, no prior registration. Your existing Aadhaar card is all you need.
3Which Buses Are Covered?
| Covered ✓ | Not Covered ✗ |
|---|---|
| WBSTC (West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation) | Private buses |
| CSTC (Calcutta State Transport Corporation) | Mini-vans, share autos |
| All intra-city government bus routes | Metro, local trains |
| Inter-district long-route state buses | App-based taxis (Ola, Uber) |
4How Much You Save
A regular daily commuter spending ₹40 to 80/day on state buses saves:
- ₹1,200 to 2,400/month
- ₹14,400 to 29,000/year
For a college student or daily-wage worker, this is a significant reduction in household expenses.
5Part of a Larger BJP Women's Welfare Push
The Free Bus Travel Scheme was announced alongside Annapurna Bhandar Yojana (₹3,000/month for women). Both forming the core of the BJP government's women empowerment agenda in West Bengal post the 2026 election victory.
6Helpline
For route information or issues with conductors: 033-2236-2001 (WBSTC helpline).