An Indian woman passenger shows a free travel pass issued by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus in New Delhi on Tuesday. Photo: IC

New Delhi rolled out free bus travel for women Tuesday in what the city's chief minister called an "historic step" for female empowerment and safety.

On Tuesday, women were given pink tickets entitling them to free travel, with a message from chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on the back that said he hoped the move would empower them and their families.

Before, bus fares cost between 5 to 25 rupees ($0.07 to $0.35). 

Sonia Rathore, 24, a worker at a firm in central Delhi said she was set to save around 2,000 rupees ($30) per month. 

"Those women who don't earn more than 10,000 rupees or 15,000 rupees, this move will be very helpful for them," she said.