Kerala Rolls Out Free Bus Travel for Women in KSRTC Services from June 15

The Kerala government is set to roll out a new scheme offering free travel for women in Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses from June 15, marking a significant expansion of welfare benefits aimed at public transportation users. The initiative, part of the ruling coalition’s election promise under the ‘Indira Guarantee’ programme, will initially apply only to ordinary bus services and will be implemented on a trial basis for 100 days.

Officials confirmed that the decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by senior state leadership and the Transport Department, taking into account the financial strain on KSRTC and its operational capacity. The government said the phased rollout is intended to assess passenger usage patterns, revenue loss, and overall impact on the transport system before extending the scheme to higher-category services such as Fast Passenger and long-distance buses.

According to estimates by KSRTC, the initiative could significantly affect its finances. The corporation currently serves around 23 lakh passengers daily, of whom nearly 10 to 12 lakh are women. Limiting free travel to ordinary buses alone is projected to create an additional burden of about ₹57 crore over three months. If expanded to faster services, the financial impact could rise substantially, potentially crossing ₹90 crore or more depending on coverage.

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To manage the expected revenue shortfall, the government has indicated that the loss incurred by KSRTC will be reimbursed through subsidies. Discussions are also underway regarding financial arrangements, including possible support through the Kerala Financial Corporation, while a dedicated budget allocation is expected to be made to ensure the scheme does not destabilise the transport corporation’s finances.

The Transport Commissioner has been tasked with studying the scheme’s financial and operational impact during the trial phase and submitting a detailed report to guide future expansion. Authorities are also considering the introduction of Aadhaar-linked smart cards to prevent misuse and ensure smooth implementation of the programme across eligible passengers.

While the scheme has been welcomed as a major welfare measure, it has also sparked concerns among stakeholders, including KSRTC employee unions, over its long-term financial sustainability. Discussions are ongoing regarding service expansion and balancing equity in access, particularly in regions where ordinary bus services are less frequent, as the government prepares to review the programme after the initial trial period.

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