Women in Jammu and Kashmir can now travel for free on government buses under the “Zero-Ticket Travel Initiative,” launched by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on April 1, 2025. Covering Smart City e-buses and Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) buses, this initiative aims to empower women by removing mobility barriers.
The launch event at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre in Srinagar was attended by key officials, including Sakina Itoo, the only woman minister in the J&K government.
Empowering Mobility: A Step Towards Equality
The Zero-Ticket Travel Initiative is designed to benefit women across age groups, including schoolgirls, working professionals, and homemakers. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the scheme as a step beyond affordability, focusing on accessibility and safety.
“This isn’t just about free rides; it’s about creating an environment where women feel empowered to travel freely,” he said. The government has ensured that transport operators will face no financial losses, with compensation built into the state budget. The initiative is expected to ease travel for education, work, shopping, and leisure.
A Promised Vision Fulfilled
The scheme fulfills a key election promise made by the National Conference (NC) during its campaign last year. It also builds on earlier efforts like Mehbooba Mufti’s “pink buses” introduced in 2016, which were exclusively for women but not free. Those services were discontinued after political shifts in the region.
Abdullah’s initiative represents a more inclusive approach by eliminating travel costs entirely while addressing safety concerns. The focus on schoolgirls further underscores the government’s commitment to fostering equal opportunities in education.
Breaking Barriers: Focus on Rural Connectivity
While the initiative has been widely praised, challenges remain. The JKRTC fleet operates primarily in rural areas and district headquarters, while Smart City e-buses serve urban centres like Srinagar and Jammu.
Expanding services to underserved regions will be crucial for ensuring that women across J&K benefit equally from this initiative. The government has pledged to address these gaps as part of its broader vision for inclusive growth.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Zero-Ticket Travel Initiative is a commendable step toward gender-inclusive development and social empowerment. By prioritising women’s mobility, the J&K government has set an inspiring precedent for other states to emulate.
However, long-term success will depend on addressing operational challenges such as fleet expansion and service reliability. What are your thoughts on this initiative? Should similar schemes be implemented nationwide to promote gender equality in public transport? Share your views!
