Free KSRTC bus travel for women
സ്ത്രീകൾക്ക് സൗജന്യ കെ.എസ്.ആർ.ടി.സി ബസ് യാത്ര
Provide free travel for women on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses.
📄 Verbatim — UDF Manifesto 2026
“Provide free travel for women on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses.”
Evidence & Timeline
Comprehensive post-launch report: CM Satheesan rode the inaugural bus (driven by V.P. Sheela, Kerala's first PSC-recruited woman driver) from Thampanoor to the Secretariat. The CM emphasized Priyadarshini as a 'socio-economic driver' that will save women's travel money and boost their financial independence. Opposition CPM boycotted the event. KSRTC confirmed no ordinary services were converted to deny free travel.
The Hindu's comprehensive explainer on the Priyadarshini scheme published on launch day: covers the seven eligible KSRTC bus categories, the zero-fare ticketing process, who qualifies (all women and transgender persons, no ID required), and the government's ₹800 crore annual commitment to compensate KSRTC.
CM V.D. Satheesan officially inaugurated the Priyadarshini scheme at Thampanoor Central Bus Station, Thiruvananthapuram. The inaugural bus was operated by an all-women crew (a female driver and conductor). The scheme provides unlimited free travel on KSRTC ordinary services to all women and transgender persons across Kerala.
The Kerala Cabinet officially approved the 'Priyadarshini' scheme to offer free bus travel for all women and transgender persons on KSRTC ordinary buses starting June 15, 2026. The state government will fully compensate the KSRTC for the revenue loss, estimated at ₹800 crore annually.
Following a cabinet meeting on June 10, the V.D. Satheesan government approved the free bus travel scheme for women of all age groups and transgender persons. The scheme will run on an initial trial basis for 100 days starting June 15, 2026, and is estimated to cost ₹60 crore per month.
Following a feasibility study by an expert committee, the Kerala government decided to restrict the free bus travel scheme for women starting June 15, 2026, to ordinary KSRTC services. The scheme will initially run on a 100-day trial basis to study passenger patterns and the state's financial burden (estimated at ₹57 crore/month or ₹712 crore/annum). The government also confirmed that transgender persons will be eligible for the scheme.
Pre-budget analysis confirms free KSRTC bus travel for women will begin on June 15, 2026, on ordinary, limited-stop, city circular, and fast-passenger services (premium and A/C buses excluded). The scheme is a core Indira Guarantee commitment and has full operational backing of the new gender-ticketing ETM system. Budget presentation set for June 19, 2026.
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar's customary policy address to the Kerala Legislative Assembly formally announced upcoming key welfare initiatives under the new UDF government's 'Vision 2031' roadmap, including the rollout of free KSRTC travel for women starting June 15, 2026.
KSRTC confirmed that free bus travel for women will begin June 15, 2026, covering ordinary, limited-stop, city circular, and fast-passenger services (premium excluded). A 'gender ticketing' system was introduced on May 9 to enable the rollout. Final operational guidelines are being finalized.
UDF 2026 manifesto / Indira Guarantee; first cabinet approval reported.
In its first cabinet meeting on May 18, 2026, the newly elected UDF government approved the rollout of free KSRTC bus travel for women alongside wage hikes for scheme workers.
Unofficial. Not affiliated with the Election Commission of India, Government of Kerala, or any political party. Independent citizen-maintained ledger.