Kerala to offer free bus travel for women from June 15 at Rs 800 crore yearly cost

Kerala will roll out free bus travel for women on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) ordinary services from June 15 under the 'Priyadarshini' scheme, PTO reported on Wednesday, citing Chief Minister V D Satheesan.

According to the report, the state Cabinet approved the scheme at its meeting earlier in the day. The benefit will be available to women across age groups and income categories.

The chief minister said the concession, in its present form, is expected to cost KSRTC more than Rs 60 crore a month, or nearly Rs 800 crore annually.


The free travel facility will initially be limited to KSRTC's ordinary bus services. Satheesan said the government would consider extending the benefit to other categories of services once the state-run transport corporation's financial position improves through higher revenue generation.

The scheme is part of the government's 'Indira Guarantee' welfare initiatives.