Kerala launches ‘Priyadarshini’ free bus travel scheme for women

Billed as a significant step towards women 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 VD Satheesan inaugurated the program at Thampanoor Central Bus Terminal around 9.30 am. The inaugural journey, which carried the Prime Minister and other dignitaries from the bus terminal to the Secretariat building, was operated entirely by a female crew.

Passengers boarding a KSRTC bus in Kochi on Monday morning, June 15, 2026. The scheme will cover around 3,125 ordinary buses operated by KSRTC in the current phase. | Photo Credit: H. Vibhu

The scheme will cover around 3,125 ordinary buses operated by KSRTC, but all of them are currently not in service due to operational constraints. It is expected to have a far-reaching impact on women from different social and economic backgrounds across the state.

Under the programme, women and transgender people can travel free of charge in KSRTC’s seven ordinary service categories: ordinary, urban ordinary, limited-stop ordinary, fair stage ordinary, town-to-city, point-to-point and Gramavandi services. Ahead of the launch, stickers were affixed to eligible buses to help passengers identify the services under the programme.

A proud moment for Kerala: Satheesan

Calling the launch of the program a “proud moment for Kerala”, Mr. Satheesan said the free travel initiative was “not an act of generosity” for women but a well-laid plan that would bring far-reaching socio-economic benefits. “Women can now travel proudly, saying that these are state vehicles,” she said.

The Chief Minister assured that KSRTC will not face any financial burden due to implementation of the scheme.

Assurance for private bus operators

Emphasizing that private buses are an integral part of the public transportation system, the Prime Minister assured private bus operators that they do not need to worry about the schedule. “The state government will take necessary steps to offset any losses arising from the implementation of the new scheme,” he said. He added that the government has fulfilled its promise to the public before completing one month in office.

This plan, one of the five guarantees promised by the United Democratic Front (UDF) in its election manifesto, is expected to impose a serious financial burden on the cash-strapped KSRTC. However, the Chief Minister assured that the state government will provide special financial support to the company to compensate for the expenditure incurred.

According to preliminary estimates, the daily cost of implementing the scheme on ordinary services alone is expected to be around Rs 2 million. However, exact financial liability will be assessed after analyzing the ticketing data generated following its launch.

Expansion of benefits

In the first phase, women and transgender passengers will be allowed to travel free of charge on regular bus services for the first 100 days. Following a review of the programme’s performance, the government plans to consider extending this benefit to other service categories, including express and superfast buses.

The state government sees the initiative not just as a welfare measure but also as an economic stimulus. Officials estimate that the program could reduce women’s travel expenses by 15% to 25%, increasing disposable income and increasing economic activity.

Women in southern Kerala, especially Thiruvananthapuram, are expected to benefit significantly from the programme. The region currently has around 687 operational ordinary buses, while the southern districts have a total of 1,268 buses, making them among the biggest beneficiaries of the initiative.