Gift from Mann government to women: Free bus travel schem
Punjab E News: In a revolutionary initiative, the Punjab government is providing free bus travel for women across the state. Women are taking advantage of this facility on government buses, a scheme launched by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab. So far, over Rs 1,548 crore has been spent on free bus travel for women, and the scheme is still ongoing. This initiative is seen as a significant step toward women’s empowerment in the state.
During its 28-month tenure, the AAP government in Punjab has spent Rs 1,548.25 crore to facilitate free travel for women in Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS, and PRTC buses. According to official data, women have availed of 32.46 crore free trips under this scheme to date.
Between March 2022 and March 2023, the government spent Rs 664.63 crore, benefiting women with 14.29 crore trips. In the fiscal year 2023-2024, another Rs 694.64 crore was spent, supporting 14.90 crore trips for women. By July 15, 2024, women were provided 3.27 crore trips at a cost of Rs 188.98 crore in the current fiscal year.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to social welfare and gender equality, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The free bus travel scheme is not just about ease of transportation, but also symbolizes dignity, freedom, and development for every woman in Punjab. It represents the progressive and egalitarian vision of the Punjab government.