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Pink Card Scheme 2026: The scheme offering free travel on government buses via the ‘Pink Card’ is set to launch on August 1st. How can one obtain this Pink Card? Any woman can apply by filling out a form on the State Transport Department’s portal. Upon submitting the necessary documents and information, eligible women—those qualifying for free travel on government buses—will be issued the Pink Card by the Transport Department.
The state government has started rolling out the Pink Card scheme from August 1, allowing eligible women to travel free of cost on government-run buses. The initiative is aimed at making public transport more affordable while improving mobility and access to education, employment, healthcare, and other essential services.
Women who qualify for the scheme will receive a Pink Card after completing the application process and verification by the Transport Department.
Pink Card Scheme: What is the Pink Card?
The Pink Card is an official card issued by the state’s Transport Department to eligible women. Once issued, the card can be shown while boarding government buses to avail free travel benefits under the scheme.
The distribution of cards has already begun for eligible applicants, and the process will continue in phases.
Presenting this Pink Card will entitle the holder to free travel on government buses. For those residing in rural areas—outside Kolkata and its adjacent urban regions—the application process involves visiting the local BDO office or Panchayat office to submit the required forms, documents, and information; subsequently, the Transport Department will issue the Pink Card to eligible women.
How to Apply Online for Free Bus Travel on Government Buses:
Women who wish to benefit from the scheme must submit an application through the Transport Department’s official online portal (https://transport.wb.gov.in/)
During the application process, applicants will be required to:
- Fill in the prescribed application form.
- Upload or submit the required documents.
- Provide accurate personal and eligibility-related information.
After verification, eligible applicants will receive their Pink Card from the Transport Department.
Accepted Identity Documents:
The notification lists:-
- Aadhaar Card,
- EPIC (Voter ID),
- Job Card,
- Ayushman Bharat Card,
- Driving Licence,
- PAN Card,
- Passport,
- Pension ID,
- Government Employee ID,
- Educational Institution ID, or any other Government-issued Photo ID, along with a recent photograph.
Pink Card Scheme: Offline Application for Rural Areas
To ensure the scheme reaches women living outside major cities, the government has also introduced an offline application process.
Women residing in rural areas can visit their:
- Block Development Officer (BDO) Office, or
- Local Panchayat Office
There, they can complete the application form, submit the necessary documents, and provide the required information. Once the verification process is completed, eligible applicants will receive their Pink Card.
Free Travel After Card Verification
The Pink Card must be shown while travelling on eligible government buses to receive the free travel benefit.
The Transport Department has already issued operational guidelines to government bus drivers and conductors so that the scheme can be implemented smoothly across the state.
Card Distribution Will Be Done in Phases
Officials have clarified that the application and verification process is extensive, and therefore cards cannot be distributed to every applicant on a single day.
Instead, eligible women will receive their Pink Cards gradually within the scheduled rollout period. Distribution has already started for many applicants and will continue in phases across different districts.
Key Highlights
- Pink Card scheme has been introduced from August 1.
- Eligible women can travel free on designated government buses.
- Applications can be submitted through the Transport Department’s online portal.
- Rural applicants can apply through BDO or Panchayat offices.
- Required documents and eligibility details must be submitted for verification.
- Pink Cards will be distributed gradually after successful verification.
- Drivers and conductors have already received implementation guidelines.
The Pink Card initiative is expected to make daily commuting easier for thousands of women by reducing transportation costs. Applicants are advised to submit accurate information and the required documents to avoid delays. The Transport Department will continue issuing Pink Cards in phases until all eligible beneficiaries are covered.
