Thiruvananthapuram: Women and transgender persons will be allowed to travel free in ordinary Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses from June 15 under the state government’s Priyadarshini scheme, a move expected to cost around Rs 800 crore annually.
Cabinet Decision Announced
Announcing the cabinet decision on Wednesday, Chief Minister V D Satheesan said the benefit, introduced under the government’s Indira Guarantee programme, would be available irrespective of age or income. He stated that the government would fully compensate KSRTC for the revenue loss arising from the initiative.
Financial Implications
According to government estimates, the programme will require Rs 65 crore to Rs 70 crore every month. This will be provided over and above the Rs 1,250 crore already being extended annually to KSRTC, Satheesan said.
KSRTC's Financial Strain
The transport corporation, however, continues to face severe financial strain despite substantial government support. Official figures show that its accumulated losses increased from Rs 14,707.85 crore in 2020-21 to Rs 20,949.96 crore in 2024-25, a rise of more than Rs 6,200 crore in four years. In recent years, KSRTC has received between Rs 1,400 crore and Rs 2,000 crore annually through grants, loans and subsidies. Provisional accounts for 2024-25 show KSRTC received government support of Rs 1,602.41 crore, while its revenue improved to Rs 1,580.37 crore. Despite the increase in earnings, accumulated losses continued to grow, highlighting the corporation’s fragile financial position. Official data indicate that in some years, government assistance exceeded the corporation’s annual revenue.
Implementation Details
The free-travel scheme will be implemented across KSRTC’s network of ordinary buses operating in the state, adding to the government’s financial commitment towards sustaining the loss-making public transport utility.
Satheesan said there were no immediate plans to engage private buses to meet any increase in passenger demand. He added that around 28% of KSRTC’s ordinary bus services operate in the Malabar region. The government will review the scheme every month and address any shortcomings identified during implementation, he said.
