Tamil Nadu Launches Vetri Payanam Thittam Scheme

Tamil Nadu launched the expanded Vetri Payanam Thittam in Chennai on 2 October 2026, and the scheme was earlier known as Vidiyal Payanam Thittam. The scheme provides cost-free bus travel for women and transgender persons on selected services operated by the Tamil Nadu government.

Scheme Coverage

The expanded scheme covers ordinary buses, Express buses, Limited Stop Service buses, and Deluxe buses. It also applies to buses operating within corporations, municipalities, town panchayats, and hill areas, along with ordinary suburban buses between districts and buses running beyond 40 kilometres.

Eligibility and Ticketing Rules

The scheme has no income-based eligibility limit, no caste restriction, and no cap on the number of journeys per day. Beneficiaries must carry a valid Aadhaar card to obtain zero-fare tickets under the scheme.

Transport Network and Beneficiaries

A total of 12,692 buses under seven transport corporations of the Tamil Nadu government are covered under the scheme. The government has estimated that about 8.4 million women will benefit daily, with more than 1.6 million one-way journeys expected each day.

Important Facts for Exams

• Gandhi Jayanti is observed on 2 October every year in India.
• Tamil Nadu operates seven state transport corporations under the government transport system.
• Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identity number issued in India.
• Zero-fare ticket systems are used in several public transport subsidy schemes in India.

Public Transport Context

About 50 private bus owners and operators held a silent protest in Vellore on 27 September 2026, seeking inclusion of private buses in the scheme. The government also released a video on the duties of bus conductors for implementation of the scheme.