Thiruvananthapuram, 13 June (H.S.) :

The Kerala government's flagship Priyadarshini scheme, offering free travel for women and transgender persons on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) ordinary buses, will be rolled out on June 15, with the Transport Department issuing detailed guidelines for its implementation.

The scheme, part of the UDF government's Indira Guarantee Programme, aims to improve mobility, expand access to employment opportunities and strengthen the social and economic empowerment of women. It will be available to all women and transgender persons regardless of age, income, domicile or social status. Beneficiaries will not be required to register or submit documents and need only obtain a Zero Fare or 'Priyadarshini' ticket from the conductor.

While travel will be free for eligible passengers, certain charges will continue to apply. Women travelling with family members will be issued separate tickets from male passengers, and fares applicable to male travellers will be collected. Likewise, passengers carrying luggage beyond the permissible limit will have to pay the prescribed luggage charges through separate luggage tickets.

The facility will be available on all KSRTC ordinary services without any distance restrictions. However, it will not be extended to City Fast, Fast Passenger and other higher-class services, festival special services, weekend additional services, BTC services, chartered trips and similar operations.

Under the guidelines, buses operating under the scheme must prominently display the words 'Priyadarshini Scheme' on both sides and at the front. Conductors have been directed to issue a Zero Fare Ticket to every eligible passenger, recording the boarding and destination points. Failure to issue tickets will be treated as revenue loss and considered a serious irregularity.

The government has also instructed KSRTC staff to ensure a safe, respectful and hassle-free travel experience for women passengers. Ticket inspection squads will closely monitor violations, including collection of fares from eligible beneficiaries, non-issuance of Zero Fare Tickets and misuse of the scheme. Strict action has been ordered against those found violating the guidelines.

Ahead of the launch, KSRTC drivers and conductors will undergo special training, while inspection officers and other officials have been tasked with ensuring strict compliance and passenger-friendly implementation of the scheme.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman