Kerala's Priyadarshini scheme marks 100 days of free bus travel for women

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced that the ‘Priyadarshini’ scheme has completed 100 days of operation. The initiative provides free travel to women and transgender individuals on KSRTC ordinary service buses.

Since its launch on June 15, 2026, the scheme has facilitated 12.62 crore free rides with approximately 12.88 lakh daily users. The Chief Minister noted a 94 per cent increase in women travelers to tourist destinations such as Gavi and Ponmudi. Additionally, overall KSRTC ridership has grown by 43 per cent without reducing the number of male passengers.

State Transport Minister C P John stated that while the number of Priyadarshini buses will not increase, routes will be rearranged or shifted to accommodate the demand.