Thiruvananthapuram, June 8: The Government of Kerala will roll out free bus travel for women starting June 15, marking a significant public transport initiative aimed at improving mobility, accessibility, and financial relief for women commuters across the state.
Under the new scheme, women will be able to travel free of cost on designated public bus services operated by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). The initiative is expected to benefit thousands of daily commuters, particularly those travelling for work, education, and other essential activities.
According to official estimates, the scheme is projected to place an annual financial burden of approximately ₹57 crore on KSRTC. The government, however, has stated that the initiative is part of its broader commitment to social welfare and inclusive development, ensuring affordable and safe transport for women.
Officials noted that the scheme is designed to encourage greater participation of women in education and employment by reducing transportation costs and improving access to public services.
The government is expected to monitor implementation closely to ensure smooth operations and adequate service quality across routes. Measures are also being considered to manage operational efficiency and financial sustainability within KSRTC.
The initiative reflects Kerala’s continued focus on gender-inclusive policies and strengthening public transport systems as a key component of social development.