West Bengal Free Bus Travel Scheme: Eligibility, Documents, How to Apply and Free Travel Benefits

The West Bengal government has launched the West Bengal Free Bus Travel Scheme, also known as the West Bengal Pink Card Scheme for Women across the state. The scheme is applicable in all state government-run bus services from June 1, 2026. 

The scheme is aimed at increasing women's participation in employment, education and socio-economic activities by providing easy access to public transportation and reducing the daily commuting expenses. 

Smart Card for West Bengal Free Bus Travel

The West Bengal Transport Department is the nodal agency to implement the scheme across the state. Female students, working women, homemakers, senior citizens and women from economically weaker families are the key beneficiaries of the schemes. 

The government of West Bengal has notified that the beneficiaries will receive a Smart Card or Pink Card to ensure transparent benefits and smooth implementation of the scheme. The Smart card contains a QR code, the beneficiary’s photograph and details.

West Bengal Free Bus Travel Scheme: Eligibility

All the female residents of West Bengal are eligible for the scheme. To get the free travel benefits under the scheme the passenger must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Gender: Female 

• Resident: Resident of West Bengal

• Applicability: The scheme is only available on state operated or managed bus travel services. (Note: it does not apply to privately owned buses).

Benefits of the West Bengal Free Bus Travel Scheme

The West Bengal female resident can avail of the following benefits under the West Bengal Free  Bus Scheme. 

• Free transportation in the state runs buses across the state.

• It covers both short and long route government buses.

• It reduces the daily, weekly, and monthly transportation expenses used by the female commuters so that they can invest in education, health and other activities. 

• It provided easy travel and improved connectivity for students, working women, homemakers and senior citizens. 

Required Documents 

To avail the benefits under the scheme the beneficiary needs to submit any of the following documents for verification

• Voter ID card  or Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) 

• Ayushman Bharat Health Card

• Pan Card

• Driving Licence

• Indian Passport

• School, College and University Identity Card

• Recent Passport size photograph

• Other government documents that apply to the scheme

How to Apply for the Scheme?

The eligible women beneficiaries can only apply through the offline process it does not have an online application option. You can apply by submitting an offline application form through the designated government offices mentioned in the official notification issued by the West Bengal Transport Department.

Female applicants can submit their application to the Block Development Officer (BDO) or Sub-Divisional Officer(SDO) office of their respective district or jurisdictional area. 

After successful completion of the offline application form the West Bengal Transport Department will verify the documents and issue the West Bengal Free Travel Smart Card.

The Scheme is applicable from June 1, 2026, until smart cards are issued women can avail the free travel services in the state run buses by showing approved government photo identity documents.