The Kerala government has announced that free travel for women under the Priyadarshini scheme will begin on June 15, covering seven categories of bus services. The scheme aims to enhance mobility and economic participation of women across the state.
Categories Covered
The free travel facility will be available on ordinary, city ordinary, limited stop ordinary, fair-stage ordinary, town-to-town, point-to-point, and gramavandi services. These categories encompass a wide range of public transport options to ensure comprehensive coverage for women commuters.
Implementation Details
The scheme is part of the state's initiative to promote gender equality and reduce financial barriers for women. Beneficiaries can avail free travel by showing their identity cards or through a dedicated app. The government has allocated funds to compensate the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and other operators for the loss of revenue.
Impact on Women
This move is expected to benefit thousands of women daily, particularly those from low-income groups who rely on public transport for work, education, and other essential activities. The scheme aligns with the government's broader social welfare agenda.
Officials have urged women to obtain the necessary identification to avail the facility smoothly. The scheme will be monitored for effectiveness and may be expanded to other bus categories in the future.
