Rajasthan Offers Free Bus Travel For Women On International Women’s Day
The government of Rajasthan has announced free bus travel for women and girls across the state on March 8 to mark International Women’s Day. The initiative aims to encourage mobility and recognise the contribution of women in society while making public transport more accessible for a day.
Under the scheme, women passengers will be allowed to travel free of cost on buses operated by the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) as well as city bus services run by Jaipur City Transport Services Limited. The benefit will be available for the entire day—from midnight to 11:59 pm—allowing women across urban and rural areas to use public transport without paying fares. Officials said the initiative will apply primarily to ordinary and express bus services operating within the state’s territorial limits. However, premium categories such as air-conditioned, Volvo and buses operating under all-India permits will not be included in the free travel facility. Women travelling on those services will still be required to pay the regular fare.
Transport authorities estimate that around 8.5 lakh women and girls could benefit from the scheme during the day. Conductors will issue zero-fare tickets using electronic ticket issuing machines or manual ticket books where digital systems are unavailable, ensuring that passenger data continues to be recorded for operational monitoring. The move reflects a broader policy approach aimed at improving women’s mobility and participation in public spaces. Access to affordable transport is widely regarded as a key factor enabling women to pursue education, employment and social activities, particularly in regions where mobility constraints can limit opportunities.
In Rajasthan, public transport remains an essential lifeline connecting small towns and rural communities to major cities such as Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur. Temporary fare-free initiatives on significant occasions are often used to encourage greater ridership and promote awareness about public transport services. The initiative also aligns with a broader national trend in which several Indian states periodically offer free or subsidised travel for women on special occasions or as part of long-term mobility policies. Such measures are often framed as tools for gender inclusion and social recognition.
For the transport department, the scheme also serves as an opportunity to highlight the importance of safe and accessible travel systems for women. Alongside fare concessions, authorities have been promoting safety measures, awareness campaigns and technology-based initiatives designed to strengthen security in public transport environments. While the free travel initiative is limited to a single day, it symbolises a broader effort to acknowledge women’s contributions and ensure greater inclusivity within public infrastructure systems.
As thousands of women are expected to travel across the state on March 8, the initiative underscores the role of public transport in supporting social mobility and participation in everyday life.
