CM V D Satheesan announces free travel for women in KSRTC ordinary buses from June 15

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister V D Satheesan has informed that all women and transgenders, regardless of age, will be able to travel free on KSRTC from June 15. He said the cabinet meet convened here Wednesday has approved the free travel and this project has been titled 'Priyadarshini'. The chief minister was talking to the media after the cabinet meet.

‘The first free travel has been announced in ordinary buses. The government will incur a liability of about Rs 65 to 75 crore per month. KSRTC will have a loss of about Rs 800 crore in revenue per year. The government will also provide that. Free travel will be provided regardless of income and age.

The government is presently giving Rs 1500 crore a year to KSRTC. This will also be provided along with it. Free travel is being given in ordinary buses in the first phase. After improving the status of KSRTC, the second phase will be considered. KSRTC will be encouraged to generate its own revenue. After implementing the project in ordinary buses, its performance will be evaluated. The project will be later extended to other buses as well. The government will study the problems in the Malabar region, where there is a shortage of ordinary buses, and take further steps,’ said the chief minister.