wb-free-bus-ride-scheme-for-women-drains-funds-within-a-month

The North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) is already under financial pressure within a month of launching the state government’s free bus travel scheme for women, prompting the corporation to prepare a request for additional funds.

 

According to transport department sources, nearly 60 per cent of the subsidy allocated for the first three months has been exhausted in June alone. The corporation is now in the process of drafting a formal letter to the West Bengal Transport Department seeking fresh financial support.

 

The free travel initiative was a key electoral promise made by the BJP during the Assembly elections. After the party assumed power on May 4, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari reiterated during his swearing-in on May 9 that all campaign commitments would be implemented, following which the scheme was officially announced.

 

As per NBSTC officials, the scheme came into effect on June 1. To offset revenue losses from ticket sales, the state government allocated Rs 12.65 crore for the initial three-month period from June to August. However, around Rs 7.50 crore—nearly 60 percent of the total allocation—was spent within the first month itself.

 

A senior official of the corporation noted that demand for NBSTC bus services in North Bengal has historically been high, and passenger numbers have surged further following the introduction of free travel for women. Currently, more than one lakh passengers use NBSTC buses daily, with women comprising nearly 80 per cent of the ridership.

 

The sharp increase in passenger volume has also led to overcrowding, with officials observing that many male passengers are increasingly opting for alternative modes of transport due to difficulty in securing seats. Meanwhile, the number of female passengers continues to rise steadily, driven by the free travel benefit.

 

Officials have expressed concern that if the current trend persists, the remaining subsidy funds may not be sufficient to sustain operations for even another month, raising doubts about the scheme’s viability over the full three-month period.

 

In light of the situation, the NBSTC is set to formally approach the Transport Department for additional funds. The corporation hopes that timely allocation of fresh subsidies will ensure the uninterrupted continuation of the free bus travel scheme for women.

 

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