The first-day figures showed a sharp rise in women passengers compared to the previous Monday. On June 8, KSRTC ordinary buses recorded 7,34,693 women travellers, while the number increased to 13,29,938 on the first day of the free travel scheme
Kerala’s newly launched Priyadarshini Free Travel Scheme has received an overwhelming response, with more than 13 lakh women travelling free on KSRTC ordinary buses on its first day, marking a major milestone in the state’s public transport sector.
The initiative, introduced by the V.D. Satheesan-led state government, aims to improve mobility for women and transgender persons by offering zero-fare travel on KSRTC ordinary services across Kerala. The government said the scheme would help reduce financial barriers and provide easier access to education, employment opportunities and essential services.
The first-day figures showed a sharp rise in women passengers compared to the previous Monday. On June 8, KSRTC ordinary buses recorded 7,34,693 women travellers, while the number increased to 13,29,938 on the first day of the free travel scheme.
The jump of 5,95,245 passengers highlighted the immediate impact of the initiative, with officials estimating that free tickets issued to women alone were worth around Rs 2.20 crore.
The scheme was formally inaugurated at 9 a.m. on Monday at the KSRTC Complex in Thampanoor, Thiruvananthapuram. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan launched the programme by ringing the traditional double bell, describing it as a significant welfare measure aimed at making public transport more inclusive.
However, the scheme has also triggered concerns among private bus operators, who claimed they were facing financial difficulties following the launch.
Representatives of private bus operators said their initial assessment at the end of Monday showed that many services had struggled to even recover diesel costs. They said they planned to meet the Chief Minister to present their concerns and discuss possible solutions.
“We will assess things, and we are waiting to meet Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan to explain our side,” an office-bearer of the operators said.
The government has projected the Priyadarshini scheme as a step towards increasing women’s participation in public transport and easing everyday travel expenses. The strong response on the opening day has boosted confidence among officials that the initiative could encourage more women to rely on public transport in the coming months.
While the scheme has emerged as a popular welfare measure among passengers, its impact on private operators remains a key issue that the government will have to address.
