Thiruvananthapuram, 15 July (H.S):Kerala's flagship 'Priyadarshini' free bus travel scheme for women, one of the UDF government's key election promises, has completed its first month, with the State government describing the initiative as a major success that has significantly improved the lives of women from low-income households.

According to the Transport Department's preliminary assessment, the scheme has eased the financial burden on thousands of women, particularly daily wage earners and those employed in the informal sector, by substantially reducing their monthly commuting expenses. The government believes the initiative has had a tangible impact on household finances, enabling beneficiaries to retain a larger share of their earnings.

Transport Minister C.P. John said the scheme has been especially beneficial for women earning between ₹8,000 and ₹12,000 a month. The savings on travel costs, he noted, effectively translate into a 20 to 30 per cent increase in their disposable income, providing meaningful financial relief to economically weaker sections.

The Minister also highlighted the scheme's social impact, stating that it has become a lifeline for cancer patients, people undergoing treatment for liver ailments, and their caregivers, who frequently travel to government hospitals for treatment. Free travel, he said, has made access to healthcare more affordable for many vulnerable families.

While the government has hailed the programme's success, it acknowledged that the scheme has affected the private bus sector. To examine the challenges faced by private operators and recommend possible solutions, the State has constituted a five-member committee headed by retired Director General of Police Padmakumar IPS.

John said the growing public acceptance of the scheme reflected its success. Although sections of the Opposition had initially boycotted its launch, neither the UDF nor the BJP was now opposing the programme in view of its widespread popularity, he added.

The Minister further clarified that the scheme would not impose an additional financial burden on the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), as the State Budget has earmarked ₹600 crore exclusively for its implementation. The government said it would continue to monitor the programme's performance while addressing concerns raised by the private transport sector.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman