Kerala launches ‘Priyadarshini’ free bus travel scheme for women and transgenders

Passengers show their zero-fare tickets on board a KSRTC bus in Palakkad after the launch of the Kerala government’s Priyadarshini program on Monday (June 15, 2026) | Photo credit: KK MUSTAFAH

Touted as a major step towards women empowerment, the Kerala government on Monday (June 15, 2026) launched its ambitious flagship ‘Priyadarshini’ free travel scheme for all women and transgender persons in regular buses operated by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC).

Chief Minister VD Satheesan launched the program at Thampanoor Central Bus Station around 9.30 am. The initial journey of the Chief Minister and other dignitaries from the bus station to the premises of the Secretariat was provided exclusively by women.

Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan departs after the bus arrives at the Secretariat premises as part of the inaugural trip after launching the Priyadarshini free travel scheme for women in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday. | Photo credit: NIRMAL HARINDRAN

The scheme will cover around 3,125 regular buses operated by KSRTC, though not all are currently in service due to operational constraints. It is expected to have a far-reaching impact on women from various social and economic backgrounds across the state.

Under this scheme, women and transgender persons can travel free on seven categories of regular KSRTC services: ordinary, city, limited-stop ordinary, fairground ordinary, city-to-city, point-to-point and Gramavandi services. Prior to launch, stickers were affixed to eligible buses to help passengers identify program services.

Proud moment for Kerala: Satheesan

Launching the scheme, “it is a proud moment for Kerala”, Mr Satheesan said the free travel initiative was not an “act of generosity” towards women but a well-crafted scheme that will have far-reaching socio-economic benefits. “Women can now travel with pride and say these are the vehicles of their government,” he said.

KSRTC will not face any financial burden due to the implementation of the scheme, assured the Chief Minister.

Security for private bus operators

The Chief Minister emphasized that private buses are also an integral part of the public transport system and assured the private bus operators that they need not worry about the system. “The state government will take steps to address any losses incurred as a result of the implementation of the new system,” he said. The government is fulfilling the promise it made to the people even before completing a month in office, he added.

The scheme, one of the five guarantees promised by the United Democratic Front (UDF) in its election manifesto, is expected to put a significant financial burden on the cash-strapped KSRTC. However, the Chief Minister assured that the state government would provide special financial support to the company to compensate the expenses incurred.

According to preliminary estimates, the daily cost of implementing the system for routine services alone is expected to be around ₹ 2 crore. However, the exact financial commitment will be assessed after analyzing the ticket data generated after the rollout.

Extension of benefits

During the initial phase, women and transgender passengers will be allowed to travel for free on regular bus services for the first 100 days. After reviewing the system’s performance, the government plans to consider extending the benefit to other service categories, including express and superfast buses.

The state government considers the initiative not only a social measure, but also an economic stimulus. Officials estimate the scheme could reduce women’s travel spending by 15% to 25%, allowing for more disposable income that could in turn boost economic activity.

Women in southern Kerala, especially in Thiruvananthapuram, are expected to benefit significantly from this programme. Around 687 regular buses are currently operating in the region, while the southern districts together account for 1,268 buses, making them the biggest beneficiaries of the initiative.

Published – 15 Jun 2026 09:58 IST