Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Monday inaugurated the UDF government’s Priyadarshini scheme, which grants free travel to women and transgender persons on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses.

The inaugural ride under the scheme is being helmed by two women KSRTC employees. Jayakumari, who has been serving with the KSRTC for 17 years, is the conductor, while P P Sheela, the state’s first woman KSRTC bus driver, is behind the wheel.

Chief Minister V D Satheesan, Transport Minister C P John, and SC/ST Welfare Minister K A Thulasi are on board for the inaugural journey. Other government officials, including the Transport Secretary, are also participating in the event.

“I am grateful that we have been able to fulfil a major promise made to the people even before the government completes one month in office,” Satheesan said in his inaugural address.

He also noted the historical significance of the venue, pointing out that it was from the same location that Sree Chithira Thirunal Maharaja flagged off the state’s first public transport vehicle 110 years ago.

Describing the scheme as a major milestone in the history of the KSRTC, Satheesan clarified that it was not a favour being extended to women.

“I see this as a measure with significant socio-economic impact for the state,” he said.

“Several women have told me about the amount they would be able to save through this scheme. Many of them had already decided how they would use the money even before we came to power,” Satheesan said.

“One woman asked me what she should do with the money she would save. At the time, I did not know whether I would become the Chief Minister or even the Finance Minister. I advised her to invest it in KSFE chits. That suggestion has worked out well because KSFE now comes under my department,” he added.

“I can’t express the joy of being part of this event. It is a proud moment for me to be part of KSRTC’s history,” Jayakumari, the conductor of the bus undertaking the inaugural ride, told reporters.

“Whatever equality we may talk about, many women still feel reluctant to ask for money from their families. Even women who earn often end up handing over their income to other family members,” she said.

Transport Minister C P John also expressed happiness at being able to fulfil a promise made to the people.

“CPM and CPI MLAs should participate and reconsider their stand. I am saying this as a minister. I humbly request them not to stay away from such a significant event,” he told the media.

Responding to criticism from the CPM that the government had failed to fully implement its promise, John said, “This is not something they have been able to accomplish. So I do not understand these comments.”

The government issued an order on June 11 allowing women and transgender persons to travel free of cost on KSRTC’s ordinary services. The scheme, a key promise under the newly elected UDF government’s Indira Guarantee programme, was one of the flagship assurances highlighted during its election campaign.

According to the Transport Department order, the scheme aims to ensure unrestricted mobility for women and promote a more inclusive and participatory society. The government said the initiative is expected to enhance employment opportunities for women while contributing to their economic and social empowerment.

The decision follows a proposal submitted by the KSRTC Chairman and Managing Director seeking approval for a free-travel scheme on KSRTC services. After examining the proposal, the government approved the first phase of the programme, under which all women and transgender persons, irrespective of age, will be entitled to free travel on ordinary KSRTC services from June 15 onwards.

The order states that the scheme’s implementation and effectiveness will be periodically reviewed, and further measures will be formulated based on the assessment. The state government will bear the full financial burden of the project and establish a dedicated cash-transfer and financial-management mechanism to ensure that KSRTC’s operational expenses and financial commitments are met without disruption.

Which buses are covered under the scheme?
The facility will be available on all categories of KSRTC ordinary services without any distance restriction. However, it will not be extended to City Fast services, Fast Passenger services and other higher-class services, festival special services, weekend additional services, BTC services, chartered trips and similar services.

To ensure easy identification, all eligible buses must prominently display the words “Priyadarshini Scheme” on both sides and at the front of the vehicle.

Conductors are required to issue a Zero Fare Ticket to every eligible passenger, recording the boarding and destination points. Allowing travel without issuing such a ticket will be treated as a revenue loss equivalent to an Uncollected Fare (UCF). Similarly, failure to issue tickets to eligible passengers or issuing them to ineligible persons will be considered a serious irregularity.

Ticket inspection squads to monitor operations
Ticket inspection squads have been instructed to closely monitor violations, including the collection of fares from eligible beneficiaries, non-issuance of Zero Fare Tickets, issuance of excess tickets, extension of the benefit to ineligible services, and issuance of women’s free-travel tickets to male passengers. Strict action has been ordered against those found violating the guidelines.

Certain charges to continue
According to the Transport Department guidelines, women travelling with family members will be issued separate tickets from male passengers, and the applicable fare will be collected from the latter. Likewise, passengers carrying luggage beyond the permissible limit will have to pay the prescribed luggage charges through a separate luggage ticket.

Private bus owners protest move
T Gopinathan, general secretary of the All Kerala Bus Operators Organisation, had earlier said the move could severely affect the private bus sector and urged the government to provide a support package for private operators before implementing the scheme.

Private bus operators alleged that the decision was taken without consulting stakeholders in the sector. According to them, concerns over the proposal had already been raised during the pre-election Puthuyuga Yatra led by Satheesan.