The Kerala government will launch free travel for women on ordinary KSRTC buses from June 15. The initiative aims to reduce commuting costs and improve access to education, jobs and public services.

Kerala to offer free bus travel for women from June 15. Details

Kerala will introduce free bus travel for women on ordinary KSRTC services from June 15 The scheme aims to improve mobility, reduce travel costs and support greater participation of women in education and employment.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Free bus travel for women begins on June 15
  • Benefit applies to ordinary KSRTC bus services
  • Keralam government will fully compensate KSRTC for the scheme

Women across Kerala will be able to travel free of cost on ordinary Keralam State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses from June 15 under the state's new Priyadarshini scheme.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan is set to inaugurate the initiative, which aims to improve women's mobility, reduce household transportation expenses and make daily travel more affordable.

The scheme is one of the key welfare promises announced by the government and is expected to benefit students, working women, senior citizens and daily commuters across the state.

FREE TRAVEL ON ORDINARY KSRTC BUSES

Under the first phase of the scheme, women will be eligible for free travel on ordinary KSRTC bus services across Kerala.

The government has clarified that there will be no age restrictions, allowing all women to avail the benefit.

Officials say the initiative is designed to make public transport more accessible while encouraging greater participation of women in education, employment and social activities.

The scheme is expected to provide financial relief to thousands of families by reducing daily commuting expenses.

For many women who rely on public transport for work, education and essential services, the move could lead to significant monthly savings.

GOVERNMENT TO BEAR THE COST

According to the Kerala government, the free travel programme is expected to cost around Rs 800 crore annually.

The entire amount will be reimbursed to KSRTC by the state government to ensure that the transport corporation does not face additional financial pressure because of the scheme.

Officials have said the government already provides substantial financial support to KSRTC and will continue to do so for the successful implementation of the initiative.

FOCUS ON WOMEN'S MOBILITY

The government says the scheme is aimed at making travel easier and more affordable for women while improving access to jobs, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and other essential services.

Officials have described the rollout as the first phase, indicating that the programme may be expanded or refined based on passenger response and operational requirements in the future.

With the launch of free bus travel, Kerala joins a growing list of states that have introduced women-focused public transport initiatives to encourage greater mobility and reduce commuting costs. The scheme is expected to begin operations statewide from June 15.

With inputs from ANI

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