Thiruvananthapuram, 10 June (H.S.):

In a major welfare initiative aimed at improving mobility and reducing travel costs, the Kerala government has announced free travel for women and transgender persons on ordinary Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses from June 15 under its flagship Indira Guarantee programme.

The decision was approved by the State Cabinet on Tuesday and announced by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan. The scheme, named Priyadarshini, will allow all women and transgender persons to travel free of cost on KSRTC ordinary services across the state, irrespective of age.

Describing the initiative as one of the key promises under the Indira Guarantee programme, Satheesan said the government would ensure that the scheme is implemented without affecting the financial stability of the state-run transport corporation.

According to official estimates, the free travel scheme is expected to result in a monthly revenue loss of ₹65 crore to ₹70 crore for KSRTC, with the annual impact projected at around ₹800 crore. The Chief Minister, however, assured that the state government would fully compensate the corporation for the loss of revenue arising from the scheme.

He noted that the government is already extending substantial financial assistance to KSRTC, including pension-related support. The state currently provides around ₹125 crore every month, amounting to nearly ₹1,500 crore annually, and compensation for the Priyadarshini scheme would be over and above this assistance.

Satheesan said the next six months would be crucial for KSRTC to improve its revenue generation and operational efficiency while implementing the free travel programme. The corporation has been asked to explore measures to strengthen its financial position and reduce dependence on government support.

The Chief Minister also acknowledged the long-standing disparity in KSRTC services between northern and southern Kerala. Responding to concerns over limited KSRTC presence in districts such as Malappuram, he said the government would closely monitor the situation during the initial phase of the scheme.

Pointing out that KSRTC currently operates around 28 per cent of bus services in Malappuram district, he said the corporation still maintains a significant presence even in areas where private operators dominate public transport.

While declining to confirm reports that the government was considering hiring private buses in regions with low KSRTC coverage, Satheesan said innovative solutions could be be explored in the future if the corporation succeeds in improving its revenues.

The rollout of the Priyadarshini scheme marks one of the first major welfare initiatives of the new government and is expected to benefit millions of women and transgender commuters across Kerala by improving access to education, employment and essential services.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman