Omar Abdullah launches free bus service for women in J&K

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday launched a free bus service for women across the Union Territory at a function held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. The initiative, part of the National Conference's election manifesto, aims to provide women with safe, accessible, and cost-free travel.

Addressing the gathering, Abdullah expressed confidence that the move would significantly ease women's travel across Jammu and Kashmir. The launch event was attended by ministers Satish Sharma and Sakina Itoo, among other dignitaries.

Announced in the recent budget presented by the chief minister, the scheme ensures that women can travel free of cost in State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) and Smart City buses starting April 1. Abdullah reassured that the government would compensate the transport corporations for the zero-fare tickets, ensuring they do not incur losses.

"There will be no losses for the SRTC and Smart City buses. We will provide them compensation from the budget," Abdullah told reporters.

In a social media post on X, Abdullah emphasized that the initiative was not just a welfare measure but a step toward women's empowerment and inclusive mobility. "Starting today, women across Jammu and Kashmir will travel free of cost in all Smart City and SRTC buses. This isn't just a welfare measure; it is a commitment to women's empowerment, accessible mobility, and a more inclusive J&K," he wrote.

The National Conference hailed the initiative as a significant step toward enhancing women's independence and opportunities. "Enhancing mobility is key to greater opportunities, independence, and progress. This initiative paves the way for women to move forward, both literally and figuratively," the party posted on X.

With PTI inputs