The West Bengal government announced a free bus travel scheme for women and a monthly financial aid program called the Annapurna scheme [1].
These measures aim to lower the financial burden on female commuters in cities like Kolkata, where transportation costs can consume a significant portion of household income [1].
According to state data, daily women commuters in the region spend between ₹8,500 and ₹9,000 on transportation each month [1]. By removing these costs, the government intends to increase the disposable income of families and improve mobility for women across the state.
Alongside the transit initiative, the government approved the Annapurna scheme. This program provides eligible women with financial aid of Rs 3,000 per month [2]. The combined effect of free travel and direct cash transfers is designed to create a more robust social safety net for the female population [1].
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the decisions followed cabinet approval [1]. The initiatives target the specific economic pressures faced by women in the workforce and those managing domestic duties who rely on public transit for their daily needs.
Officials said that the free bus service will prioritize accessibility in high-traffic urban centers, specifically Kolkata, to ensure the maximum number of women can benefit from the reduction in travel expenses [1].
“Daily women commuters spend between ₹8,500 and ₹9,000 on transportation each month”
This dual-pronged approach combines a service-based subsidy with a direct cash transfer, addressing both immediate mobility barriers and general poverty. By targeting transportation costs that can reach ₹9,000 monthly, the government is attempting to stimulate economic participation among women who may have previously been limited by the high cost of commuting in urban hubs like Kolkata.
