Tamil Nadu CM Vijay launches expanded Vetri Payanam free bus scheme

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched the expanded ‘Vetri Payanam’ scheme on October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti. The initiative expands free bus travel for women and transgender persons, moving beyond the previous administration's scope of ordinary town buses to include Express, Limited Stop Service (LSS), and Deluxe buses in metropolitan and urban areas.

The scheme covers approximately 12,692 buses across seven state transport corporations, representing about 69 per cent of the scheduled fleet. The government estimates that roughly 8.43 million women will benefit daily. There are no income ceilings or restrictions on the number of daily journeys. The program is expected to cost the state approximately Rs. 6,000 crore annually.

To mark the launch at the Koyambedu bus terminus in Chennai, Chief Minister Vijay personally interacted with passengers and briefly acted as a bus conductor, issuing free tickets to women. The expansion aims to support economic empowerment by reducing travel costs for women accessing education, employment, and healthcare services.