Kerala Launches Priyadarshini Free Bus Travel Scheme

The Kerala government formally inaugurated the Priyadarshini free bus travel scheme for women and transgender persons on 15 June 2026. The scheme provides zero-fare travel in ordinary Kerala State Road Transport Corporation buses and uses a zero-value ticket issued through an Electronic Ticket Machine.

Coverage and Eligibility

The scheme covers women of all ages and transgender persons without any income test, social-status test, or registration requirement. Beneficiaries receive the concession on ordinary buses across Kerala, while City Fast, Superfast, and air-conditioned services remain outside the initial coverage.

Operational Features

The scheme applies to 3,125 ordinary KSRTC buses in the state. Passengers must collect a Priyadarshini ticket from the conductor, and eligible buses display the words “Priyadarshini Scheme” in white paint for identification.

Financial and Administrative Framework

The state government bears the full reimbursement cost for KSRTC under the scheme. The estimated expenditure is over ₹60 crore per month and about ₹800 crore annually, and the implementation is subject to periodic review based on usage patterns and KSRTC’s financial position.

Important Facts for Exams

• Kerala State Road Transport Corporation is the state-owned road transport undertaking of Kerala.
• Electronic Ticket Machines are used in public transport systems for fare collection and ticket issuance.
• Transgender persons are recognised as a distinct gender category in Indian welfare and legal frameworks.
• Zero-fare ticketing is a common administrative method for subsidy-based public transport concessions.

Policy Context

The Priyadarshini scheme is one of the five Indira Guarantees announced by the Congress-led United Democratic Front during the Assembly election campaign. The scheme is linked to public transport access and fare subsidy for eligible passengers in Kerala.