Delhi: Kejriwal Announces Free Rides For Women On All DTC And Cluster Buses From 29 October Onwards

During his Independence Day address from Chhatrasal Stadium, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced that women will be able to travel for free on all the cluster and Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses in the national capital from 29 October onwards, reports The Indian Express.

“On the day of Raksha Bandhan, I want to give a gift to our sisters that there will be free rides for women on all DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) and cluster buses from October 29, which will ensure their safety,” Kejriwal said.

The proposal was initially cleared by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in June, along with a plan to also offer women free rides on the Delhi Metro network, with the latter requiring a green light from the Centre as well. Kejriwal promised that his government would bear the estimated Rs 700-800 crore cost of the free rides.

Many see the AAP government’s recent slew of such announcements offering certain utilities and facilities for free as a deliberate attempt to woo voters ahead of the elections to the Delhi legislature scheduled for next year (2020).