Punjab Goverment Approves Free Travel For Women For Buses In Punjab From April 1

The Punjab Government approved free travel for women in all government run buses within Punjab from April 1, 2021.

The Cabinet approved that proposal that had been announced by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on March 5. Singh had announced the free travel scheme in the Vidhan Sabha. The scheme of free travel for women was a part of the government’s efforts to empower women in the state. According to a spokesperson, the scheme will benefit over 1.31 crore women across Punjab. As per Census 2011, Punjab has a population of 2.77 crore which comprises 1,31,03,873 women.

The women residents in Punjab will be able to avail free bus travel in government owned buses. The government owned buses include the PEPSU Road Transport Corporation (PRTC), Punjab Roadways Buses (PUNBUS), and the City Bus Services operated by Local Bodies.

The free travel for women scheme is not applicable for government owned buses with air conditioning, Volvo buses, and HVAC buses. Proof of residence in Punjab will be required to avail the facility. Documents like Aadhar Card or Voter Card can be used as proof of residence. All women who are family members of Punjab Government employees or  are employees themselves and reside in Chandigarh can avail the scheme. These women can travel for free in the said government buses irrespective of age and income criteria.

The scheme is expected to reduce female drop-out in school due to the high cost of daily transport. It also aims to facilitate working women that have to travel a considerable distance to reach their place of work. The scheme will ensure women have access to safe, cheap, and reliable travel.

The Cabinet also mentioned that the free travel for women scheme is expected to encourage women to use public transport. This will decrease the number of personal vehicles on the roads and lead to a reduction in pollution, vehicular accidents and vehicular congestion.