Priyadarshini rolls out from June 15: All about Kerala’s free bus travel scheme for women
Priyadarshini scheme rolls out across all 3,125 ordinary KSRTC buses from June 15, with no need for registration or paperwork; here's all you need to know
Kerala's Congress-led UDF government launched 'Priyadarshini' on Sunday (June 14), offering free travel on ordinary KSRTC buses to all women and transgender persons across the state. It will come into effect from Monday (June 15).
The scheme is one of five 'Indira Guarantees' promised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during the Assembly election campaign. Chief Minister VD Satheesan formally inaugurated it at 8.30 am at the Thampanoor bus terminal in Thiruvananthapuram, before travelling by KSRTC bus to the Secretariat Darbar Hall.
The inaugural service was operated by an all-women crew.
Here's all you need to know about Priyadarshini:
Who are eligible for it?
All women and transgender persons are eligible, regardless of age, income or social status. There are no categories, no income caps and no exceptions — the benefit is universal.
Which buses are covered?
In this first phase, the scheme covers all 3,125 ordinary KSRTC buses operating across the state. Fast passenger, superfast and air-conditioned services are not included yet.
What you need to do
Nothing in advance. No registration, no application and no documents are required. Passengers simply need to ask the conductor for a zero-value 'Priyadarshini' ticket through the Electronic Ticket Machine while boarding.
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The system will log every journey digitally for transparent accounting and reimbursement to KSRTC.
Who pays for it?
The state government will bear the full cost, estimated at over Rs 60 crore a month or around Rs 800 crore annually. A dedicated financial management system will ensure KSRTC's daily operations are not disrupted. The corporation will also explore non-fare revenue sources to offset the burden.
The Opposition's view
The CPI(M) has said its MLAs will not attend the inauguration, alleging that the government has diluted its poll promise by limiting the scheme to ordinary buses in phase one.
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What comes next?
The government has described this as phase one. Expansion to other KSRTC service categories will be considered after reviewing usage patterns, operational requirements and improvements in the corporation's financial health. The scheme will be reviewed periodically, Transport Minister CP John said.
(With agency inputs)