The UDF government in Kerala, led by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, has officially launched the ‘Priyadarshini’ scheme, which provides free bus travel for women and transgender individuals across the state. Inaugurated at Thampanoor, the initiative allows free travel on 3,125 KSRTC ordinary buses without requiring any registration, age limits, or identity cards. The scheme aims to ensure financial security, self-reliance, and respect for women, fulfilling a key election promise previously announced by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during the election campaign.

Addressing the protests from the Men’s Association regarding the women-only free travel, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan responded with humor, stating that savings kept by women directly benefit their households. He jokingly added that while some men might bring their savings home, the rest often finds its way back to the government’s treasury, hinting at state liquor revenues. Satheesan emphasized that the project is a message of respect to mothers and sisters, noting that the inaugural bus featured a female driver and conductor, and the order was issued by a female Transport Secretary.

Also read

KSRTC Launches Free Travel Scheme for Women in Ordinary Buses Goddess Kali's Message of Divine Financial Abundance and the Three Signs of Change

The free travel facility is applicable across seven sub-classes of KSRTC ordinary services, including Ordinary City, Ordinary Limited Stop, Ordinary Town to Town, Fare Stage, Fare Stage Limited Stop, Point to Point, and Gramavandi. Buses operating under this scheme will display “Priyadarshini Sthree Soujanya Yathra” on the front and sides. With the implementation of this scheme, female students will no longer require concession tickets to travel on these ordinary KSRTC buses, marking a significant step toward the financial empowerment of women in Kerala.