Transgender passengers in Delhi will soon be able to travel for free on the city’s public buses as part of a new government program designed to make daily commutes safer and more inclusive.
The initiative will cover all Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses operated by the city. Officials say the goal is simple: to help transgender residents move freely around the capital without fear or financial strain.
“We want everyone in Delhi to feel they belong on our roads,” said Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot. “This is about dignity and equal opportunity.”
The government plans to issue digital smart cards for transgender passengers, similar to those already used by women and senior citizens who receive free travel. Bus drivers and conductors will also receive sensitivity training to help create a more respectful environment for all commuters.
LGBTQ+ groups have welcomed the move, calling it a meaningful step toward visibility and inclusion. “Something as basic as being able to take the bus without worry can change lives,” said a spokesperson from Mitr Trust, a Delhi-based advocacy organization. “It opens doors to work, to education, and to independence.”
India legally recognized transgender people as a third gender in 2014, but access to public spaces and services remains limited for many. Delhi’s new policy signals progress toward a more equal city, where mobility represents both freedom and belonging.
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