"UDF govt turned Indira Guarantee into reality": Priyanka Gandhi hails 'Priyadarshini' free bus service in Keralam
New Delhi, June 16
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra hailed the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation's free bus travel service, 'Priyadarshini', saying that the United Democratic Front government has "turned Indira Guarantee into reality."
In an X post, Vadra said on Monday that the free bus service is more than a bus pass; it is the freedom to travel and greater independence for women across Keralam.
"With 'Priyadarshini', KSRTC's free bus travel service for women, the Congress-led UDF government has turned an Indira Guarantee into reality. This is more than a bus pass. It is the freedom to travel, the confidence to pursue opportunities, and greater independence for women across Keralam. I congratulate the UDF government for fulfilling this promise and empowering countless women to dream bigger," she said.
Meanwhile, former Keralam Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar also praised the free bus travel service, saying that it will greatly benefit the public, adding that the service must be available for all women and children, including young boys.
"They had promised the public before the election. They are doing it now. It is very good. It should be for all ladies and children, including boys. The government should provide some insurance for the ladies. In the press conference itself, I asked the ministers to do this. They will find a way for this," he said.
The scheme, a flagship initiative of the state government aimed at providing free bus travel to women and transgender persons on KSRTC ordinary services across the State, came into effect from June 15.
The State government has described the initiative as a major welfare measure aimed at strengthening social inclusion and enhancing the economic empowerment of beneficiaries.
The initiative is expected to benefit a large number of daily commuters by reducing transportation expenses and promoting greater access to education, employment and other opportunities.
— ANI
Reader Comments
👏 Good move by UDF! But why only women and transgender? What about elderly men who struggle with bus fares too? Also hope they add insurance coverage like Ganesh Kumar suggested. Safety first!
Priyanka Gandhi calling it "Indira Guarantee" is pure politics. Free bus service is good but why bring family legacy into everything? Let's appreciate the scheme without dynastic tags.
As a Malayali, I welcome this. KSRTC has been running losses for years but welfare measures like this are necessary. Hope they implement it properly with digital passes so there's no misuse.
This is a great step for women's empowerment! Many women in Kerala avoid jobs far from home due to transport costs. Now they can travel freely. Just hope buses run on time and are safe.
UDF is just copying LDF's previous free bus scheme for women. And naming it 'Priyadarshini' to flatter the Gandhi family? 🙄 Anyway, if it helps ordinary women, I'm happy. But don't make it a political drama.
As someone who studied in Kerala, I know how important public transport is there. This is a practical welfare measure. Hope they extend it to students
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