BJP State General Secretary Shashi Agnihotri reviewed the introduction of a free government bus service for women in Kolkata on June 1, describing it as the fulfilment of an electoral commitment within the first month of the new administration's tenure.

Speaking during the launch, Agnihotri noted, “Today is June 1st–a day when the government has not even completed twenty-eight days in office… In keeping with this timeline, and in fulfilment of the pledge made in the election manifesto regarding women–specifically the promise to provide free travel services for women on government buses–the Chief Minister has today made a formal announcement.”

She further stated, “True to the ‘Modi Guarantee,’ women are now travelling here completely free of charge. There is an atmosphere of celebration all around; women everywhere are beaming with joy. They can now step off the train and proceed directly to their destinations via bus.”

The West Bengal government has declared that all women will receive free travel on state-run buses effective June 1. This initiative aims to promote women’s empowerment and enhance access to public transportation.

A notification issued by the Transport Department on May 21 detailed the decision, explaining that the scheme will provide free travel to women on all state-operated buses across West Bengal, including short- and long-route public service buses in various categories.

As part of the plan, the government will distribute Smart Cards featuring a QR code to beneficiaries. The notification said, “one Smart Card (digital with QR code) with the photo and name of the beneficiary will be issued to each woman beneficiary on application, to be submitted to the BDO/SDO having jurisdiction.”

Applicants must provide one of several approved identification documents along with a recent photograph. These include “(i) Aadhar Card, (ii) Elector’s Photo Identity Card (EPIC), (iii) VB-G RAMG Job Card (Grameen Rozgar Gurantee Card), (iv) Ayushman Bharat Health Card, (v) Driving Licence, (vi) PAN Card, (vii) Indian Passport, (viii) Pension document with photograph, (ix) Service Identity Cards with photograph issued to employees by Central/State government/PSUs/Public Limited Companies, (x) Official Identity Card issued by Schools/Colleges/Universities and (xi) any other ID card issued by Government of West Bengal, along with recent photograph of the beneficiary.”