The scheme will cover around 3,125 ordinary buses operated by the KSRTC, although not all of them are currently in service due to operational constraints. It is expected to have a far-reaching impact on women across the State.
| Photo Credit: PTI
Billed as a significant step towards women’s empowerment, the Kerala government on Monday (June 15, 2026) launched its ambitious flagship ‘Priyadarshini’ free travel scheme for all women and transgender persons on ordinary buses operated by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC).
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan inaugurated the scheme at the Thampanoor Central Bus Station around 9.30 a.m. The inaugural journey carrying the Chief Minister and other dignitaries from the bus station to the Secretariat premises was operated entirely by women crew.
Commuters boarding a KSRTC bus in Kochi on Monday (June 15, 2026) morning. The scheme will cover around 3,125 ordinary buses operated by the KSRTC in the current phase.
| Photo Credit:
H. Vibhu
The scheme will cover around 3,125 ordinary buses operated by the KSRTC, although not all of them are currently in service due to operational constraints. It is expected to have a far-reaching impact on women from diverse social and economic backgrounds across the State.
Under the scheme, women and transgender persons can travel free of charge on seven categories of KSRTC ordinary services: ordinary, city ordinary, limited-stop ordinary, fair-stage ordinary, town-to-town, point-to-point, and Gramavandi services. Ahead of the launch, stickers were affixed to eligible buses to help passengers identify the services under the scheme.
A proud moment for Kerala: Satheesan
Terming the launch of the scheme “a proud moment for Kerala”, Mr. Satheesan said the free travel initiative was “not an act of generosity” towards women, but a well-crafted scheme that will have far-reaching socio-economic benefits. “Women can now travel with pride, saying that these are their government’s vehicles,” he said.
The KSRTC will not face any financial burden due to the implementation of the scheme, the Chief Minister assured.
Assurance to private bus operators
Emphasising that private buses are also an integral part of the public transport system, the Chief Minister assured private bus operators that they need not worry about the scheme. “The State government will take steps to address any losses arising due to the implementation of the new scheme,” he said. The government is fulfilling the promise it made to the people even before completing a month in office, he added.
One of the five guarantees promised by the United Democratic Front (UDF) in its election manifesto, the scheme is expected to impose a substantial financial burden on the cash-strapped KSRTC. However, the Chief Minister has assured that the State government will provide special financial support to compensate the corporation for the expenditure incurred.
According to preliminary estimates, the daily cost of implementing the scheme on ordinary services alone is expected to be around ₹2 crore. The exact financial liability, however, will be assessed after analysing ticketing data generated following the rollout.
Expansion of benefits
During the initial phase, women and transgender passengers will be allowed to travel free of charge on ordinary bus services for the first 100 days. Following a review of the scheme’s performance, the government plans to consider extending the benefit to other categories of services, including fast and superfast buses.
The State government views the initiative not merely as a welfare measure but also as an economic stimulus. Officials estimate that the scheme could reduce women’s travel expenditure by 15% to 25%, enabling greater disposable income that could, in turn, boost economic activity.
Women in southern Kerala, particularly in Thiruvananthapuram, are expected to benefit significantly from the scheme. The region currently has around 687 operational ordinary buses, while the southern districts together account for 1,268 buses, making them among the largest beneficiaries of the initiative.
Published - June 15, 2026 09:58 am IST
Read the full article at The Hindu →📄Source document: Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC)
5 reports
The HinduIndependentCenter6 days agoThe article describes the launch of a free bus travel scheme for women and transgender individuals in Ernakulam, Kerala. Women passengers celebrated the initiative with cheers and selfies during the inaugural journey on June 15, 2026. The event took place on a KSRTC bus traveling from the Ernakulam Boat Jetty Bus Stand to Guruvayur. Political figures such as Mayor V.K. Minimol, Hibi Eden (MP), and T.J. Vinod (MLA) were present for the occasion.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of the event without apparent ideological framing. It focuses on describing the launch of the scheme, the reactions of participants, and the involvement of local officials. There is no evident bias toward any political stance or ideology.
The HinduIndependentCenter6 days ago ‘Priyadarshini’ free bus travel scheme gets rousing start in Kerala’s ThrissurThe 'Priyadarshini' free bus travel scheme for women was launched in Thrissur, Kerala, on June 15, 2026. The event was inaugurated by Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, who emphasized the importance of women's empowerment and safety in public transport. The scheme is part of the state government's Indira Guarantee initiative. During the event, the minister traveled on a KSRTC bus and purchased a ticket, highlighting his support for the program.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on the launch of a public transportation initiative aimed at empowering women. It includes quotes from the Home Minister and describes the event neutrally without apparent ideological framing or biased language. There is no indication of partisan emphasis or slanted sourcing.
Official sources cited
- government Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala
The HinduIndependentCenter6 days ago Kerala free travel scheme hits row as commuters allege KSRTC rebranded Ordinary buses as City Fast services overnightThe Kerala government's 'Priyadarshini' free travel scheme for women and transgender individuals has sparked controversy after some commuters claimed that the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) rebranded ordinary buses as City Fast services to exclude them from the scheme. Critics allege that this was done to limit access to the free travel benefit, which applies only to certain categories of ordinary buses. Authorities confirmed that City Fast buses are excluded from the scheme during its initial 100-day phase.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the allegations made by commuters and the clarification provided by authorities without taking a stance or using biased language. It reports the situation factually, without emphasizing one side over the other.
Official sources cited
- organisation Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC)
The HinduIndependentCenter6 days ago Kerala launches ‘Priyadarshini’ free bus travel scheme for womenThe Kerala government has launched the 'Priyadarshini' free bus travel scheme, allowing women and transgender individuals to travel free on ordinary KSRTC buses. The initiative aims to promote women's empowerment and improve accessibility for marginalized groups. The scheme covers approximately 3,125 buses, though not all are currently operational due to logistical challenges.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual overview of the launch of a public transportation initiative without overtly favoring any political stance. It focuses on the program's objectives and logistics rather than engaging in ideological commentary or selective emphasis.
Official sources cited
- organisation Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC)
The PrintIndependentCenter6 days agoKerala has launched a free travel scheme for women and transgender individuals using the state-run KSRTC bus services.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a policy initiative without apparent ideological framing, word-choice, or emphasis that suggests a particular political leaning. It simply states the launch of a travel scheme without commentary or context that would indicate bias.
India