Thiruvananthapuram, 16 July (H.S.):Kerala's flagship Priyadarshini scheme, which provides free travel for women on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) ordinary bus services, has recorded an impressive 3.8 crore free journeys within just one month of its launch, Transport Minister CP John announced on Thursday.

Presenting a progress report on the scheme, the Minister said the initiative has significantly boosted women's use of public transport across the state. The average number of women travelling on KSRTC buses each day has more than doubled, increasing from around 5.5 lakh before the scheme was introduced to 12.7 lakh now. Women currently account for nearly 66 per cent of the corporation's total daily ridership.

According to the Minister, the free travel programme has not only improved access to affordable public transport but has also encouraged greater mobility among women, enabling many to participate more actively in education, employment and other economic activities.

The report also highlighted a sharp rise in passenger traffic to popular tourist destinations served by KSRTC. Routes to Malakkappara, Gavi, Nelliampathy and Ponmudi have registered an increase of more than 30 per cent in passenger numbers since the launch of the scheme, reflecting growing demand for public transport to leisure destinations.

In a move aimed at improving the functioning of the state-run transport utility, CP John announced that Transport Management Committees would be established at all 94 KSRTC depots across Kerala. The committees, to be chaired by the respective local MLAs, are expected to be constituted later this week and will focus on strengthening depot-level administration and service delivery.

The Minister also said the Transport Department has launched a pilot project to streamline compensation for road accident victims under the PM RAHAT scheme. The initiative is intended to ensure quicker access to cashless emergency treatment, with plans to expand it statewide. Under the PM RAHAT scheme, eligible accident victims can receive treatment worth up to ₹1.5 lakh during the critical golden hour period and for up to seven days following the accident.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman