Kerala Launches Priyadarshini: Free Bus Travel for Women
Officials said the 100-day pilot covers about 3,125 KSRTC ordinary buses and could cut women’s travel costs by 15% to 25%.
- On Monday, June 15, 2026, Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan inaugurated the Priyadarshini scheme, granting free travel to all women and transgender persons on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation ordinary buses.
- This initiative fulfills a flagship promise under the UDF government's Indira Guarantee programme, aimed at empowering women by reducing their travel expenditure by 15% to 25% and boosting socio-economic inclusion.
- Operating across around 3,125 ordinary KSRTC buses, the system mandates that conductors issue Zero Fare Tickets for every eligible trip to ensure accurate tracking and prevent revenue loss.
- Private bus operators expressed concern over potential sector impacts, while the government committed approximately ₹800 crore annually to ensure the KSRTC faces no financial burden from the initiative.
- Officials plan to periodically review the programme's performance, with potential future extensions to City Fast and other higher-class services based on data gathered during the initial implementation phase.
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'Payasam' spills onto Kerala Minister Bindu Krishan during 'Priyadarshini' scheme launch
Kerala Women and Child Development Minister Bindu Krishna faced an embarrassing moment on Monday when hot 'payasam' or 'kheer' accidently spilled onto her, while she was in a state-run KSRTC bus for the launch of state's flagship free bus travel scheme 'Priyadarshini' for women and transgender. Krishna, who is an MLA from the Kollam assembly constituency, was travelling in a crowded bus when 'payasam' was being offered to the Congress workers a…
Kerala Launches Priyadarshini: Free Bus Travel for Women
Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan announced a groundbreaking free bus service for women, recognizing it as an empowerment initiative rather than charity. The Priyadarshini scheme offers free travel on KSRTC buses for women and transgender individuals. With this move, Kerala aims to ensure safe and dignified travel for all.
KSRTC's ordinary buses now free for women in Kerala; CM inaugurates Priyadarshini scheme
Kerala's Priyadarshini scheme offers free travel for women and transgender people on ordinary KSRTC buses, aiming for mobility and empowerment. The.Priyadarshini scheme Kerala, free bus travel women Kerala, KSRTC free travel, women's mobility Kerala, transgender travel Kerala, Kerala transport initiative, Indira Guarantee programme, women empowerment Kerala, social inclusion Kerala, bus fare exemption Kerala, zero fare ticket KSRTC, private bus …
Kerala launches free KSRTC travel scheme for women, transgender persons
Kerala's UDF government has launched the 'Priyadarshini' scheme. This initiative offers free travel for women and transgender individuals on ordinary KSRTC buses. The scheme aims to ease financial burdens for daily commuters. It fulfills a key election promise. Beneficiaries will receive zero-value tickets. The government expects statewide coverage.
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