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Priyadarshini Scheme Boosts Women’s KSRTC Bus Use, Minister Says
The Priyadarshini scheme lets women and transgender people ride certain KSRTC buses for free.
It applies to ordinary-service buses in Kerala.
Transport Minister C P John said many more women are now using these buses.
He said women’s use increased by 60 percent after the scheme began.
About 10 lakh women reportedly travel on KSRTC buses each day.
Celebrations will take place at 93 depots when the scheme reaches 100 days.
The government does not currently plan to add more bus types or increase the number of covered buses.
KSRTC also wants to start carrying heavy cargo using leased trucks.
Officials say the scheme helps women travel for education, work, and medical care.
Kerala Transport Minister C P John said women’s use of KSRTC buses rose by 60% after the Priyadarshini scheme began.
The scheme provides free travel for women and transgender people on KSRTC ordinary-service buses.
About 10 lakh women now travel on KSRTC buses daily, according to the minister.
Celebrations marking the scheme’s 100th day will be held at KSRTC’s 93 depots on Tuesday.
KSRTC plans to initially lease about five trucks to enter the heavy cargo transport business.
- Who
- Kerala Transport Minister C P John, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation, women, and transgender passengers.
- What
- The Priyadarshini scheme provides free travel on KSRTC ordinary-service buses and has reportedly increased women’s bus use by 60%.
- Where
- Across Kerala’s KSRTC network, including its 93 depots.
- When
- The scheme was launched on June 15, 2026, and was reported as approaching its 100th day on Tuesday; the minister spoke on Monday.
- Why
- The scheme aims to provide financial relief and safer, more affordable transport while encouraging women’s education, employment, medical travel, and broader public-transport use.
Key facts
- Scheme
- Priyadarshini Yatra
- Eligible passengers
- Women and transgender people
- Covered services
- KSRTC ordinary-service buses
- Reported increase
- 60% rise in women travelling on KSRTC buses
- Daily women passengers
- Around 10 lakh
- Fleet coverage
- Approximately 66% of the KSRTC fleet
- 100-day observance
- Celebrations planned at 93 depots
- Cargo plan
- KSRTC plans to initially lease about five trucks
Quotes
C. P. John
Kerala Transport Minister discussing the scheme’s effect on women’s public transport use.
“Around 66 per cent of our fleet is Priyadarshini. We do not intend to increase the number currently. The scheme will run only on ordinary services for now. It is being run with the help of the government.”
theprint.in
“The Priyadarshini Yatra facility has encouraged more women to rely on the public transport system.”
theprint.in
Sources
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