‘Free travel for all women in KSRTC, study to make up for loss'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Transport Minister C P John said that clear decisions have been taken over the free travel scheme for women in KSRTC buses. He added that free travel will be ensured for all women and that there will be no difference between APL and BPL. He added that more details about the scheme will be briefed after the cabinet meet.

The chief minister himself will clarify more details related to the scheme. If the free travel is only in the ordinary bus, the expenses will come up to Rs 712 crore. The government will give this money to KSRTC. It cannot be given from the revenue of KSRTC as it is already in a loss. The scheme will be implemented on a trial basis from June 15.

Only if the scheme is implemented, we will be able to understand what will happen. KSRTC need not worry about the financial difficulties of free travel. The finance secretary has been tasked with studying how to make up for the loss. I did not say that free travel is only in the ordinary bus. I will say that on June 10. I don’t know whether the number of passengers will increase if the scheme is implemented. Let's see. The cabinet will be convened on June 10. The rest of the details regarding the project will be clarified after that,’ clarified the minister.