The Congress-led UDF government in Kerala on Monday launched the 'Priyadarshini' scheme, offering free travel for women and transgender persons in ordinary KSRTC buses across the state, fulfilling a key election promise. Many poor women who commute daily for work, including those employed as housemaids, will benefit from this initiative, Chief Minister VD Satheesan said after inaugurating the landmark programme by lighting a traditional lamp at a function held in Thampanoor KSRTC bus terminal in Thiruvananthapuram. (PICS/PTI)
Updated On: 2026-06-15 05:09 PM IST
Compiled by : Poorva Gaikwad
Apart from the CM, Transport Minister CP John (second left) and Minister for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes KA Thulasi (left) were also present for the launch
With the launch of the ''Priyadarshini'' scheme, Kerala joined other southern states, including Congress-ruled Karnataka and Telangana, to offer free bus rides for women
A worker prepares a KSTRC bus on the eve of the launch of 'Priyadarshini', a free travel scheme for women
The initiative was aimed at easing travel expenses and boosting economic empowerment and will cover women and transgender persons free travel in ordinary KSRTC buses across the state
The CM also inaugurated an awareness programme against violence and abuse towards senior citizens. The event was organised by the state's social justice department.
