Women travelling on West Bengal government buses will soon be able to choose whether they want to avail the state's free travel scheme or continue paying fares, with the government set to introduce a Pink Card for those opting for the benefit.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Annapurna Yojana at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata.

At present, women passengers are issued zero-value tickets on state-run buses.

The Chief Minister said the Pink Card system will replace the existing arrangement, ensuring that only women who wish to travel free receive the benefit, while those who prefer to buy tickets can continue doing so.

The announcement follows feedback from several economically independent women, including government employees, who said they did not want to avail the subsidy as they were capable of paying their own fares.

According to the Chief Minister, many women employees had expressed that they already receive government salaries and therefore preferred to purchase tickets instead of travelling for free.

He said such decisions would help ensure that financial assistance reaches those who genuinely need it, including students, tea garden workers and women travelling from rural areas for medical treatment.

The state government is expected to spend around Rs 300 crore annually on the free bus travel scheme for women.

The Chief Minister also announced the launch of 200 ambulances linked to the 102 emergency service for pregnant women.

The ambulances will be deployed across hospitals and health centres in all districts. He further said women's help desks will become operational at every police station across the state from Thursday.