The West Bengal Transport Department is introducing two ladies' special buses in Kolkata starting June 25, aiming to improve safety and comfort for women commuters. The buses will operate from Howrah Station to Ballygunge covering areas in central and south Kolkata, providing convenient connections during morning rush hours, and promoting women's empowerment. The women-only non-AC buses will depart at 9:30 am and 10 am, regulated by gates for smooth boarding, aligning with promoting safety and security.
The bus service has been inaugurated in the presence of Transport Minister, Snehasis Chakraborty. Bus boarding will be regulated at gates to ensure women commuters board at each stop, with timings synchronized with ladies' special trains on Eastern and South-Eastern railway lines. The department has further plans to extend the Howrah-Ballygunge ladies' special bus service from Sealdah station to afternoon rush hours, in concern with enhancing safety and security for women using public transport, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Transport Minister's commitment to continue this service.
"The term 'Ladies Special' will be prominently displayed on the route boards to deter others from boarding. Currently, we are introducing two buses, but we may consider adding more to the fleet in the future," an official added.
