Free Bus Service for Women in J&K: Progressive Step or Temporary Relief?
Dr Noour Ali Zehgeer
In a move aimed at enhancing women’s mobility and safety, the Jammu and Kashmir administration recently launched a “Zero Ticket Travel” initiative on April 1, offering free rides to women across smart city e-buses and JKSTRC buses in the Union Territory. Within just one week of its implementation, over 3.5 lakh women availed the facility, marking an overwhelming response from both urban and rural female commuters. From schoolgirls to working professionals, this policy has been celebrated as a significant step toward women’s empowerment. However, while the surface benefits are undeniable, the initiative also raises important questions about its long-term sustainability and economic consequences.
A Welcome Move for Women’s Safety and Access
The most immediate and visible impact of the initiative is the increased accessibility to public transport for women. With safety being a growing concern, especially for female commuters traveling long distances, this initiative has offered a sense of relief. Women now have the opportunity to travel to schools, colleges, workplaces, and marketplaces without the burden of daily transport costs.
In a region where economic challenges are widespread, particularly among rural and low-income families, eliminating the cost of travel enables women and girls to pursue education or employment with fewer financial obstacles. This also encourages a more inclusive public transport system, where women feel welcomed, valued, and prioritized.
The Economic Burden on the Government
However, this well-intentioned initiative does not come without its challenges. The financial sustainability of offering free services is a significant concern. Subsidizing free bus travel means the government must either allocate additional funds from the public exchequer or compensate losses by increasing fares for other passengers. In both cases, the economic burden is ultimately passed on to taxpayers or non-beneficiary commuters — mostly males — who may now have to pay more for the same services.
At a time when the government is already grappling with high inflation and tight budgets, investing heavily in a single sector without addressing root-level economic issues may be seen as an inefficient use of resources.
Impact on Private Transport Sector
Another critical concern is the effect of the policy on private transporters, many of whom rely heavily on daily female passengers for their income. In Jammu and Kashmir, a large segment of the population earns a living through privately owned commercial vehicles — buses, minibuses, autorickshaws, and taxis. These individuals, often operating under bank-financed loans, already face the challenge of fluctuating fuel prices and high maintenance costs.
Now, with the sudden shift of female ridership to free public transport, private operators risk losing a substantial portion of their daily income. This may ultimately result in layoffs, reduced operations, or even bankruptcies — contributing to an already high unemployment rate in the region.
The Gender Divide in Subsidy Benefits
The policy, though well-meaning, inadvertently introduces a form of gendered economic disparity. While women enjoy zero fares, male passengers continue to pay the full price — or more if fares are raised to offset government losses. For male daily wage earners, students, or labourers who commute long distances, the increased cost can be a significant burden. I wonder why would they have to pay transport charges to travel for work, when legally Male member is a provider as per Hindu marriage act, or Shariah Law. First, he was scumming to society pressures, now Government has also show gender biasness towards males.
Furthermore, by focusing on women alone, the policy misses an opportunity to address broader transportation needs that affect all economically disadvantaged groups. Wouldn’t a more inclusive model — such as subsidized travel for low-income individuals, the elderly, and students of all genders — be more equitable?
Better Alternatives to Consider
If the government is genuinely invested in improving the quality of life for all citizens, there are other avenues that might offer more sustainable and impactful results. Reducing the prices of essential commodities such as gas, petrol, rice, and electricity would benefit every household, regardless of gender. In times of economic distress, these cost-of-living measures often have a deeper and more lasting impact than transport subsidies.
Moreover, the healthcare sector in Jammu and Kashmir demands urgent attention. Medical expenses have pushed countless poor families into debt. A more meaningful welfare step would be to fix nominal charges for essential medical tests and treatments in government hospitals, especially for patients suffering from chronic or life-threatening diseases. This would not only relieve financial pressure on families but also uphold the moral responsibility of the state to ensure basic health care.
Bridging Short-Term Gains with Long-Term Planning
The Zero Ticket initiative can be a valuable starting point for broader reforms. However, it must be paired with long-term planning that includes sustainable funding models, public-private cooperation, and targeted support for vulnerable groups. A rotating subsidy model, for example, could offer free rides on specific days or during off-peak hours — easing the load on state finances while still benefiting the public.
Additionally, integrating the private transport sector into such schemes — through incentives or partial reimbursements — could prevent job losses and keep the economy balanced. Dialogue with stakeholders, including private transport unions, local communities, and economists, is essential before making such initiatives permanent.
Conclusion
The free bus service for women in Jammu and Kashmir is undoubtedly a commendable move that recognizes the mobility needs of women and their right to safe public spaces. But while it offers immediate relief, it cannot be viewed as a standalone solution to deeper socio-economic problems. To truly empower women — and uplift society as a whole — policies must be inclusive, sustainable, and rooted in long-term development goals.
Short-term welfare must not come at the cost of long-term equity.
