Priyadarshini scheme commences: Rules, eligible buses, and fines of KSRTC’s free travel outlined

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is set to officially roll out its ambitious 'Priyadarshini' scheme this morning, offering free travel to women and transgender passengers across its ordinary bus services.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will inaugurate the initiative at 8:30 AM at the Thampanoor Central Depot, with Minister C.P. John presiding over the event. Following the official launch, the benefit will become active for passengers starting at 9:00 AM. The Chief Minister and cabinet ministers are scheduled to travel to the Secretariat on the inaugural service, which will be operated entirely by a female crew. While United Democratic Front (UDF) ministers and MLAs are confirmed to attend the ceremony, Left Democratic Front (LDF) lawmakers are expected to abstain from the function.
Fulfilling a key pre-election promise under the UDF’s 'Indira Guarantee', the initiative spans 3,125 state transport buses, all designated with "Priyadarshini Free Travel" stickers. The fare waiver applies to Ordinary, City Ordinary, Limited Stop Ordinary, Town-to-Town, Fair Stage Ordinary, Point-to-Point Ordinary, and Gramavandi services.
To ensure proper auditing and to calculate the state government subsidy due to the transport corporation, passengers eligible for the scheme must obtain a special zero-fare ticket from the conductor. This ticket will record the precise boarding and alighting points to track daily ridership numbers.
Transport authorities have issued a set of strict guidelines to prevent the misuse of the facility. Passengers failing to secure the complimentary ticket will face a penalty of ₹500. Additionally, standard regulations remain in place for other demographics: male passengers will continue to receive standard tickets, while boys aged between five and 11 will require half-fare tickets. The zero-fare scheme applies strictly to passenger transits, and standard luggage fees will be levied for any excess baggage.