J&K Launches Free Bus Service for Women, Initiative Receives Overwhelming Response
Srinagar, Apr 2, : In a significant step towards women’s empowerment and accessible public transport, the Jammu and Kashmir government has launched a free bus service for female passengers. The scheme, which was part of the National Conference’s poll manifesto, has been implemented swiftly, drawing praise from various quarters.
RTC General Manager (Operations) Showkat Ahmed confirmed that the scheme was put into action immediately after receiving government directives. “On the very first day, we issued free tickets to women traveling from Srinagar to Jammu. The response has been overwhelming, with more and more women approaching ticket counters to avail themselves of this facility,” he said.
Women from different backgrounds have welcomed the initiative, calling it a much-needed relief. “This is a great step, especially for students and working women like us who frequently travel between Srinagar and Jammu. The cost of travel was a burden, but this scheme has come as a huge relief,” said Shazia Bano, a university student.
Another traveler, Nusrat Jahan, a homemaker from Anantnag, expressed her gratitude, stating, “For women like me who need to travel for personal or family reasons, this scheme is a blessing. It saves us money and makes long-distance travel easier.”
The initiative, aimed at improving women’s mobility and financial independence, has gained widespread appreciation. Officials say the response so far has been encouraging, and efforts will be made to ensure smooth implementation. “We are committed to providing a seamless travel experience for women. This initiative is just the beginning, and we will continue to work towards making public transport more inclusive,” said RTC official.
