The Kerala government has announced free travel for women on KSRTC buses, starting June 15. Chief Minister BD Satheesan confirmed the decision after the first cabinet meeting, fulfilling one of the key guarantees of the new government.

A high-level meeting of senior officials is being held today to finalise the implementation framework. The discussion is focused on which types of buses will be covered under the scheme. While there is consideration to extend the free travel to ordinary, limited-stop, fast passenger, and other services, the scheme may ultimately be restricted to ordinary buses due to financial constraints.

Currently, about 12 lakh women passengers depend on KSRTC buses daily. The scheme is expected to impose an additional financial burden of approximately ₹90 crore per month on the state exchequer. KSRTC, which already operates with government subsidies and has not fully returned to profitability, will need a clear financial plan to sustain the programme.

Earlier speculation about dedicated pink buses for women was neither confirmed nor adopted by the corporation. The current effort is to ensure free travel at least on ordinary services.

The cabinet meeting today is expected to take a final decision on the modalities, after which the respective departments will handle implementation. The scheme marks a major populist move by the new government, and its rollout will be closely watched.