"Don't see this as an act of charity": Keralam CM VD Satheesan flags off KSRTC free bus service for women, transgender people
Thiruvananthapuram, June 15
Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan on Monday said that the new Kerala State Road Transport Corporation free bus service is "not an act of charity" towards women, adding that they should be able to travel with pride in a government-run bus.
Satheesan lit a lamp at the flag-off event of the 'Priyadarshini scheme' under which women and transgender persons will be provided free travel on KSRTC buses.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Minister said, "Today marks the first phase of the free bus travel scheme for women announced under the Indira Guarantee. It was from here that Sree Chithira Thirunal flagged off the first transport bus service 110 years ago. In 1965, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation was launched under the People's Ministry. At this important juncture in its history, our government is implementing the Priyadarshini scheme for women.
He added that the scheme will have significant social and economic impacts on society. "I do not see this as an act of charity towards women. I believe the scheme will have significant social and economic impacts on society. Women should be able to travel with pride in a government-run bus," he said.
He further added that the state government spent around Rs 800 crore annually for the scheme.
He said, "The government is spending around ₹800 crore annually for this scheme. KSRTC employees will have a key role in helping increase the corporation's revenue. Private bus operators have expressed concerns, but they are also an integral part of the public transport system. In many areas where government buses do not operate, people depend on private buses. The government will introduce mechanisms to ensure greater participation of the private sector as well. No sector should collapse, and it is the government's responsibility to support sectors facing difficulties.
"The Priyadarshini scheme is a mark of respect from the government to the women of Kerala. It is also a message that society must learn to respect women. Significantly, the order implementing the Priyadarshini scheme was signed by a woman secretary," he stated.
The state currently operates a fleet of 3,125 ordinary buses, all of which will fall under the purview of this scheme. The government also confirmed that the benefit will extend to rural transit networks.
This comes after CM VD Satheesan led the newly formed government's first Cabinet meeting, ending a ten-year hiatus. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) officially assumed power in Keralam on May 18. In a grand, packed ceremony held at the Central Stadium in the state capital, 61-year-old VD Satheesan took the oath of office and secrecy as the state's 13th Chief Minister.
Earlier on June 12, addressing the press conference, Keralam Transport Minister CP John said that the scheme will cover all women, with no special cards or certificates required, and will apply to ordinary buses operated by the KSRTC.
"The government has taken a historic decision to provide free bus travel for women. No special cards or certificates will be required, and all women will be eligible for free travel. KSRTC currently has 3,125 ordinary buses," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I appreciate the intention, but this seems like a populist move. ₹800 crore per year is a huge amount—could that money have been better spent on improving roads, bus infrastructure, or even subsidizing all citizens? Also, why only ordinary buses? What about the AC Volvo buses that many women take? This feels like a political gimmick before elections, honestly.
Great initiative! As a Malayali, I'm proud of my state's progressive policies. Including transgender people shows Kerala's inclusive vision. But I'm worried about the financial burden on KSRTC—they're already running at a loss. Hope the government has a plan to offset this through better efficiency or other revenues. Still, this is a step in the right direction. 👏
I'm a working woman in Trivandrum and this will save me at least ₹2,000 per month! But I hope private bus operators don't suffer—they're the backbone of rural transport. The CM mentioned supporting them, but we need concrete action, not just words. Also, please ensure that buses don't get overcrowded with the free scheme. Safety is key! 🙏
Interesting approach—Kerala always leads in social welfare. As someone who's studied Indian transport systems, I wonder if this will actually reduce women's dependence on private autos and cars, which are often expensive and unsafe. The ₹800 crore cost seems steep, but if it boosts female workforce participation, the long-term economic benefits could outweigh it. Hope they track the impact rigorously.
T Tanya I As We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.