Free KSRTC travel for women: CM to flag off Priyadarshini Scheme on June 15

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government is set to roll out its ambitious 'Priyadarshini' scheme, offering free travel for women and transgender individuals in ordinary state transport buses, starting June 15.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will officially flag off the initiative at 8:30 AM from the Thampanoor Bus Terminal. Highlighting women empowerment from the outset, the inaugural KSRTC service will be operated entirely by a female crew, including the driver and conductor. The Chief Minister and other dignitaries are scheduled to ride the bus for the initial stretch of the journey. Following the state-level launch, local-level inaugurations led by elected representatives will take place across all transport depots at 9:00 AM.

In its introductory phase, the scheme will cover 3,125 ordinary buses operated by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). The benefit applies to all women and transgender passengers, irrespective of their age or state of domicile. Beneficiaries do not need to undergo any prior registration or produce identity documents. Instead, passengers must collect a 'zero-fare ticket' from the conductor to ensure transparent data collection and accurate tracking of ridership. The state government will fully subsidise the financial liabilities incurred through this project.

Announcing the launch at a press conference, Transport Minister C.P. John stated that the initiative aims to significantly ease the financial burden on households by reducing women's daily commuting expenses. Policy experts anticipate that the move will boost disposable income, enhance female workforce participation, and encourage better access to education and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, encouraging a shift from private vehicles to public transit is expected to curb fuel consumption and alleviate traffic congestion on state roads.

The government is also focusing on broader transport reforms alongside the welfare scheme. Plans are underway to diversify KSRTC’s non-ticket revenue streams and aggressively expand the 'Gramavandi' rural bus services. The rural network will see a major upgrade, increasing the current fleet of 58 services to 500. This expansion will be funded partly through the project allocations of local self-government institutions. Local development committees will be constituted at the depot level to oversee these operations.

Transport Department Secretary T.V. Anupama and KSRTC Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Pramoj Shankar were also present during the media briefing.