The Kerala government on Wednesday approved the ‘Priyadarshini Scheme’, under which women will be allowed free travel in Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) ordinary buses starting June 15. The decision was announced after the weekly state Cabinet meeting, marking a significant welfare measure aimed at improving mobility and access to public transport for women across the state.
According to Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, the scheme will not include any eligibility conditions, and there will be no restrictions based on age or income. The benefit will also be extended to transgender persons, making the initiative more inclusive in scope. The government said the move is intended to encourage greater use of public transport while reducing financial barriers for daily commuters.
The state government has decided to fully compensate KSRTC for the revenue loss arising from the implementation of the scheme. Officials estimate the annual financial impact at around Rs 800 crore, which will be transferred directly to the transport corporation as reimbursement. The government already provides approximately Rs 1,500 crore annually to KSRTC as financial assistance, and the additional burden will be added to this support structure.
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Initially, the scheme will be applicable only to KSRTC ordinary service buses. Authorities have indicated that its performance will be reviewed after six months to assess its financial and operational impact. During this period, KSRTC has been directed to improve its revenue generation mechanisms and strengthen its overall financial stability.
The announcement is being viewed as one of the major welfare initiatives of the current government, with expectations that it will significantly benefit women passengers across urban and rural routes. However, questions regarding its long-term financial sustainability are likely to remain central to public and policy discussions in the coming months.
The decision also comes amid broader political debates in the state, with discussions continuing over infrastructure and development projects such as PM-SHRI and the proposed high-speed rail initiative. The government has stated that further clarity on these projects will emerge after ongoing consultations.
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