More Priyadarshini buses introduced to expand free travel for women

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: More Priyadarshini buses offering free travel for women have been introduced in the state capital following complaints that most city services are operated by City Fast buses, limiting access to the free-travel scheme. The new services have been launched from the Peroorkada and Vikas Bhavan KSRTC depots.

Health and Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan flagged off the new routes at the Peroorkada KSRTC depot. From the Peroorkada depot, the new Priyadarshini service will operate on the East Fort–Vattiyoorkavu–Malamukal route. From the Vikas Bhavan depot, a new service has been introduced on the East Fort–Kannammoola–Medical College–Chempazhanthy–Pothencode route, connecting the Pattom and Kunnukuzhy wards.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Muraleedharan said the two new routes had been sanctioned as part of efforts to further improve public transport facilities in the Vattiyoorkavu constituency. He also announced that the government would implement development projects for the Peroorkada and Vikas Bhavan depots.

"Development projects worth around ₹9 crore, along with renovation works including rest facilities for employees, are under the government's consideration for the Peroorkada depot. Funds, including those from MLA and MP allocations, will be utilised for these works. A new master plan will also be prepared to modernise the Vikas Bhavan depot," the minister said.

Kunnukuzhy Ward Councillor Mary Pushpam presided over the function. Gopakumar, Assistant Transport Officer of the Peroorkada depot, Gireesh Kumar, Assistant Transport Officer of the Vikas Bhavan depot, and employees from both depots also attended the event.