Free KSRTC Bus Travel for Women: Only for regular services in first 100 days; other services later

The travel concession for women, which was among the key “Indira guarantees” promised by the UDF-led Congress in its Assembly election manifesto, is to be implemented in the state from June 15. Photo credit: H. VIBHU

The first phase of free travel scheme for women in Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses will be implemented in regular services. For the first 100 days of the program, women will only be able to travel for free on ordinary buses. After this period, the Kerala government is actively considering extending the benefit of free travel to more services, including fast and super fast buses, Transport Minister CP John said after a meeting with Chief Minister VD Satheesan here on Monday.

The travel concession for women, which was among the key “Indira guarantees” promised by the UDF-led Congress in its Assembly election manifesto, is to be implemented in the state from June 15.

The Finance Minister has been tasked to study how to compensate KSRTC for the loss of revenue resulting from the implementation of the scheme.

Practical difficulties and loss of income

An expert commission appointed by the public transport company assessed that allowing free travel on higher category buses, including fast passenger and long-distance services, would cause significant practical difficulties and loss of revenue from the outset.

Based on this assessment, it was decided to limit free travel to regular buses during the first 100 days of the scheme. After studying travel patterns during this period, a proposal to extend the benefit to other bus categories will be considered in the second phase.

Financial responsibility

According to KSRTC’s assessment, the financial liability arising from the implementation of the system in regular buses is estimated to be around ₹ 712 crore per month. If the scheme is extended to all categories of buses, the liability is estimated to rise to around ₹ 1,300 crore per month.

An official announcement on the implementation of the scheme is likely to be made after the cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

Published – 08 Jun 2026 13:08 IST