The West Bengal Government announced the West Bengal Free Bus Travel Scheme for Women (Pink Card Scheme), launching on 1 June 2026. This initiative, introduced during the 2026 Assembly Election campaign, fulfills a key promise for women's welfare. An official notification was issued by the Transport Department on 21 May 2026.

Under this scheme, all women residents of West Bengal will receive free travel on all state-run buses, including short and long-route services. The primary goal is to reduce transportation costs, thereby improving women's access to education, healthcare, employment, and public services. The scheme is a major step towards enhancing women's mobility, financial independence, and socio-economic participation.

Beneficiaries will receive a "Pink Card" (a Smart Card with a QR Code and photograph) for identity verification. Until the Pink Cards are distributed, women can travel for free by showing any approved government photo ID to the conductor, who will issue a "Zero Value Ticket" after verification.

To avail the benefits of the West Bengal Free Bus Travel Scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Gender: The applicant must be a woman.
• Residency: The beneficiary must be a resident of West Bengal.
• Travel: Women travelling in state-run buses across West Bengal can avail free travel benefits.
• Verification: Women must complete identity verification for Pink Card issuance.

The Transport Department will issue the Pink Card after identity verification. Women can submit any of the following approved documents:

• Aadhaar Card
• EPIC / Voter ID Card
• BPL / Ration Card
• Ayushman Bharat Card
• Driving License
• PAN Card
• Indian Passport
• Pension Document with Photograph
• Government / PSU Employee Identity Card
• School / College / University Identity Card
• Recent Passport Size Photograph

The Transport Department will issue a special "Pink Card" to eligible women beneficiaries under this scheme.

• Women will use the Pink Card to avail free travel benefits in all state-run buses.
• The card will contain a QR Code, the beneficiary's photograph, and other details for identity verification.
• The Pink Card system ensures transparent verification and smooth implementation of the scheme.
• It will help bus conductors quickly verify eligible women passengers.
• The Pink Card serves as an official free bus travel pass issued by the West Bengal Government.

Eligible women beneficiaries need to apply to receive free travel benefits. The scheme will be implemented across the state, benefiting female students, working women, homemakers, senior citizens, and women from economically weaker families.

1. Submit Application: Women can submit the application form at the Municipal office, BDO (Block Development Officer) or SDO (Sub-Divisional Officer) office of their district or jurisdictional area.
2. Document Verification: The Transport Department will verify the submitted documents.
3. Pink Card Issuance: After successful verification, a Pink Card containing a QR Code and beneficiary details will be issued.
4. Submit Documents: Applicants need to submit approved identity proof documents and a recent passport-size photograph.

• Official Scheme Notification (PDF)
• West Bengal Transport Department
• West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) Online Portal