Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, recently launched an initiative aimed at improving transportation for women. On April 1, 2025, the Chief Minister announced a free bus services for women, available on all state-run bus routes. This initiative marks a significant step forward in addressing the mobility needs of women in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly those that rely heavily on public transportation.
During the inauguration of this zero-ticket travel programme, held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Center (SKICC) in Srinagar, Chief Minister Abdullah emphasised the importance of gender-inclusive mobility. He described the initiative as “a landmark move” that not only facilitates easier access to transportation for women but also promotes their independence and participation in the workforce. “This initiative is more than just a welfare measure, it is a bold step towards women’s empowerment and inclusive development,” he said during the inauguration.
“From April 1, State Road Transport Corporation and smart city vehicles will be free to board for all women. This service is aimed at enhancing travel convenience for education, shopping and other tasks across J&K,” the Chief Minster said, adding they put aside money for the scheme in the budget. “There will be no loss to either tState Road Transport Corporation or the smart city buses as we have factored it in the budget.”
The complimentary transportation service is available for electric buses in the Union Territory, including those operated by the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC). Currently, there are 200 active electric buses, mainly in urban areas, aimed at improving public transport and reducing carbon emissions.
In the Kashmir region, 130 RTC buses operate on inter-district routes, connecting remote areas for residents and tourists. The Jammu region features 105 electric buses that connect key urban hubs via important highways. This initiative promotes sustainable transport and supports eco-friendly travel options in the Union Territory.
Similarly, in March, the Delhi government announced plans to introduce a "smart travel card," also known as a "smart bus pass." This initiative will allow women to travel for free on public buses throughout the city.
The smart travel card will replace the previous "pink ticket" scheme, which was implemented during the previous government's tenure. This move reflects the administration's ongoing commitment to improving public transport services and ensuring the safety of female commuters in Delhi. The government has stated that the free bus travel scheme for women will be limited to residents of Delhi. The transport department is working on introducing the "lifetime" smart card that will provide access to these benefits.