Kerala Launches 'Priyadarshini' Free Bus Scheme for Women & Transgender!

In a move lauded as a significant step towards women's empowerment, the Kerala government on Monday (June 15, 2026) officially rolled out its ambitious flagship 'Priyadarshini' free travel scheme. This initiative grants all women and transgender persons free rides on ordinary buses operated by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC).

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan inaugurated the scheme at the Thampanoor Central Bus Station in Thiruvananthapuram, marking a historic moment. The inaugural journey, which saw the Chief Minister and other dignitaries travel from the bus station to the Secretariat premises, was notably operated entirely by women crew, symbolizing the scheme's commitment to empowerment.

The 'Priyadarshini' scheme is set to cover approximately 3,125 ordinary buses within the KSRTC fleet. It extends its benefits across seven distinct categories of KSRTC ordinary services: ordinary, city ordinary, limited-stop ordinary, fair-stage ordinary, town-to-town, point-to-point, and Gramavandi services. To ensure easy identification for passengers, eligible buses have been clearly marked with special stickers ahead of the launch.

Chief Minister Satheesan proudly described the launch as "a proud moment for Kerala," emphasizing that the free travel initiative is "not an act of generosity" but a meticulously crafted scheme designed to deliver far-reaching socio-economic advantages. He encouraged beneficiaries, stating, "Women can now travel with pride, saying that these are their government's vehicles." This scheme is also a key component of the UDF government’s broader 'Indira Guarantees' program, reflecting a wider commitment to social welfare.

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