Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Bus Operator Challenges Tamil Nadu’s Expanded Free Travel Scheme
Tamil Nadu offers women free rides on many government buses through a scheme called Vettri Payanam.
The state recently expanded the scheme to include more kinds of buses and longer journeys.
A private bus operator named N Kalamani says this could make people choose government buses instead of her buses.
She says that could hurt her business and the people who work for her.
She also argues that giving free rides only on government buses is unfair to private bus companies.
She has asked the Madras High Court to rule on whether the scheme is constitutional.
The court is scheduled to hear her case on October 5, 2026.
The state says the scheme is meant to help women travel and access opportunities.
Erode private bus operator N Kalamani petitioned the Madras High Court to declare the Vettri Payanam scheme unconstitutional.
She argues free government-bus travel for women disadvantages private operators, threatens jobs and businesses, and violates Article 14.
The petition says the state spends ₹6,000 crore annually on compensation for the scheme, which reportedly benefits 84.32 lakh women daily.
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched the expanded scheme on October 2, extending free travel to additional bus services and longer routes.
The scheme is scheduled for a hearing before a Madras High Court division bench on October 5, 2026; Kalamani also seeks an interim stay.
- Who
- N Kalamani, a private bus operator from Erode, has challenged the scheme introduced by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s government.
- What
- She is asking the Madras High Court to declare the Vettri Payanam scheme unconstitutional and temporarily halt it.
- When
- The expanded scheme launched on October 2; the petition is scheduled for a hearing on October 5, 2026.
- Where
- Tamil Nadu; the petition is before the Madras High Court.
- Why
- Kalamani says free travel on government buses could divert passengers from private buses, harming operators and workers, and argues the policy violates equality.
Petitioner's objections
Government's stated aim
Effect on private bus operators
Petitioner's objections
Kalamani argues that free government-bus travel could draw women and their families away from private buses, damaging operators and their employees.
Government's stated aim
The scheme is described as aiming to ensure women are not deprived of social and economic opportunities because of transport costs.
Fairness and legality
Petitioner's objections
Kalamani says the scheme gives government buses an unfair advantage, violates Article 14, and was announced without a Government Order.
Government's stated aim
The articles report the scheme's public purpose and rollout but do not provide a government response to her constitutional claims.
- Petitioner
- N Kalamani, a private bus operator from Erode and a widow with two daughters
- Scheme
- Vettri Payanam provides free bus travel for women
- Expansion launch
- October 2
- Estimated daily beneficiaries
- 84.32 lakh women
- Buses and trips
- 12,695 buses operating 1,68,500 single trips daily under the expanded scheme
- Reported annual state compensation
- ₹6,000 crore for State Transport Corporations
- Hearing date
- October 5, 2026
- Constitutional provision cited
- Article 14, the right to equality