Omar launches free bus service for women in J&K
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday flagged off the Zero-Ticket Travel Initiative, offering free bus travel for women across Jammu and Kashmir. The launch event took place at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), marking a significant step toward gender-inclusive mobility.
A government spokesperson hailed the scheme as a “landmark move” aimed at making transportation more accessible and empowering for women. The initiative, fulfilling a key Budget announcement, allows women to travel free of cost on Smart City e-buses and J&K Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) buses across the Union Territory.
Before the official flag-off, the CM also inaugurated zero-ticket travel for schoolgirls, emphasising the government’s focus on ensuring safe and convenient transportation for young students.
Speaking at the event, Omar described the initiative as more than just a welfare measure, calling it a bold step toward women’s empowerment and inclusive development.
“Starting today, women across J&K will travel free in all Smart City and SRTC buses. This isn’t just about affordability; it’s about accessibility, safety and creating an environment where women feel empowered to travel freely. Our vision is to make J&K a model of inclusive growth where no woman is held back due to mobility constraints,” he stated.
He also recalled his Budget announcement, where he had promised free ridership for women in government-run transport services.
“During the Budget, we made a special announcement that RTC and Smart City e-buses would be free for women after April 1. Today, we have launched this service with the hope that it will ease travel for women, whether for education, work, shopping, or leisure,” he added.
The Zero-Ticket Travel Initiative, announced on March 7 during the CM’s Budget Speech, is part of a broader set of pro-women and pro-poor initiatives aimed at fostering social and economic empowerment.
Addressing reporters after the launch, Omar clarified that the scheme would not financially impact transport operators, as the government would compensate JKRTC and Smart City bus services from the state budget.
“SRTC will not be affected, nor will the Smart City buses. The zero tickets will be compensated through the Budget,” he assured.
