On Tuesday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah officially launched a historic initiative, offering free bus rides to women across the Union Territory. The announcement was made during an event at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. This move, a promise from the National Conference’s election manifesto, is aimed at enhancing the mobility, safety, and empowerment of women in the region.
The free bus service, which includes both State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) and Smart City buses, came into effect on April 1, 2025. The service will allow women to travel without any fare across Jammu and Kashmir, making public transport more accessible and comfortable for them. The initiative is seen as a significant step towards promoting gender equality and providing women with greater freedom of movement in both urban and rural areas.
During the launch event, CM Omar Abdullah expressed his hope that this service would ease the daily commute for women, allowing them to travel with greater convenience and security. He emphasized that this initiative goes beyond a welfare measure, positioning it as a key part of the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment. 
“This is not just a welfare measure; it is a step toward women’s empowerment and accessible mobility,” Abdullah said in his address. “Today, we take another step towards making Jammu and Kashmir a more inclusive society.”
The government has assured that the implementation of the zero-fare service will not result in financial losses for the SRTC or Smart City buses. The government will provide compensation for the loss of fare revenue, ensuring the service runs smoothly without financial hindrances.
With this progressive move, Jammu and Kashmir becomes a pioneer in offering free public transportation for women, setting a new precedent for accessibility and gender equality in the region.
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