Kerala Cabinet Approves Free Bus Travel for Women on KSRTC Ordinary Services Starting June 15
The Kerala Cabinet approved a free bus travel scheme for women on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) ordinary buses, effective June 15, 2026. The scheme, called 'Priyadarshini,' was a campaign promise by the United Democratic Front and will apply to women of all ages regardless of income. The initiative will cost the state ₹750-₹800 crore annually, with the government committing additional funding beyond its current ₹1,500 crore annual KSRTC support.
The Kerala Cabinet has decided to implement a free bus travel concession for women on ordinary services of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) starting June 15, 2026, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan announced. The scheme, titled 'Priyadarshini,' was one of five 'Indira guarantees' pledged by the United Democratic Front during the recent Assembly election campaign. The concession will be available to all women regardless of age or financial background, initially limited to ordinary bus services with potential expansion in later phases. The implementation will impose an additional annual financial burden of ₹750-₹800 crore on KSRTC, which the state government has committed to funding. To offset costs, the government has directed KSRTC to increase revenue through measures including deploying more vehicles, adding schedules, and expanding advertisements. The scheme will be reviewed monthly to address any emerging issues, though the Chief Minister acknowledged challenges such as limited ordinary bus services in certain regions like Malappuram district.
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