CM Vijay Expands Free Bus Travel for TN Women & Transgender Persons!
CM Vijay Expands Free Bus Travel for TN Women & Transgender Persons!
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay launches 'Vettri Payanam' scheme, significantly expanding free bus travel for women and transgender persons. This initiative empowers millions daily. Learn more!
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay marked a significant step in social welfare on Friday, October 2, 2026, by launching the 'Vettri Payanam' scheme. This new initiative expands no-fare bus travel for women and transgender persons across the state.
The launch ceremony took place at the Koyambedu bus terminus in Chennai, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanthi, where CM Vijay personally issued free tickets to women passengers, kickstarting the scheme.
The 'Vettri Payanam' scheme is set to benefit an astounding 84.32 lakh individuals every day, making a substantial impact on daily commutes and economic empowerment.
It builds upon the success of the five-year-old 'Magalir Vidiyal Payanam' scheme, taking its benefits to new heights.
Under this expanded program, eligible beneficiaries can now enjoy free travel not only in Ordinary buses but also in Express, Limited Stop Service (LSS), and Deluxe buses within cities and towns. Furthermore, the scheme extends to Ordinary buses in mofussil areas and even in Ghat sections for distances beyond 40 km.
The initiative has been met with enthusiasm from passengers. S. Malar, a Chennai resident, expressed her delight, stating,
It was pretty surreal and exciting to see the Chief Minister issue tickets to passengers.
K. Abhirami from Tiruvallur echoed this sentiment, sharing her happiness about the scheme's expansion and even cherishing a photograph she took with CM Vijay.
To facilitate this massive undertaking, a total of 12,695 buses operating under the seven State Transport Corporations have been integrated into the 'Vettri Payanam' scheme. These buses will collectively operate 1,68,500 single trips daily, ensuring widespread access to the no-fare travel option. CM Vijay had initially announced this expanded scheme on August 24, under Rule No. 110, in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.
However, it is important to note that the scheme will temporarily not be implemented in Chengalpattu and Tiruppur districts. This exclusion is due to ongoing by-elections in the Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly constituencies, where the Model Code of Conduct is currently in place.
