Priyadarshini Scheme

Why in News?

The Kerala Cabinet approved the Priyadarshini Scheme on 10 June 2026, providing free travel in Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) ordinary buses for women and transgender persons. The scheme will be implemented across the state from 15 June 2026.

Priyadarshini Scheme Key Highlights

Free Travel for Women and Transgender Persons

• Free travel will be available in KSRTC ordinary bus services.
• The scheme covers:
  • Women of all age groups
  • Women from all income categories
  • Transgender persons
• No income ceiling or age restriction has been prescribed.

Statewide Coverage

• The benefit will be available throughout Kerala.
• The scheme is not limited to specific regions or categories of beneficiaries.
• Initially, only ordinary bus services will be covered.

Trial Period

• The scheme will operate on a 100-day trial basis.
• The government will review:
  • Passenger response
  • Financial viability
  • Revenue implications for KSRTC

Possible Expansion

After the trial period, the government may consider extending the benefit to:

• Fast Passenger Services
• Superfast Services
• Other categories of KSRTC buses

The decision will depend on KSRTC’s financial performance and government support.

Financial Implications

Estimated Cost

• Monthly expenditure is estimated to exceed ₹60 crore.
• Annual expenditure estimates range between:
  • ₹750 crore – ₹800 crore
• Some projections indicate:
  • ₹712 crore for ordinary services alone.
  • Up to ₹1,300 crore if extended to all bus categories.

Government Compensation

• The Kerala Government will fully compensate KSRTC for revenue losses arising from the scheme.
• This is intended to ensure that public transport services are not adversely affected.

Why is the Priyadarshini Scheme Significant?

Women Empowerment

Free public transport can:

• Improve mobility and access to opportunities.
• Increase participation of women in education and employment.
• Reduce household transportation expenditure.

Social Inclusion

The inclusion of transgender persons promotes:

• Equal access to public services.
• Greater social and economic participation.
• Gender-inclusive welfare measures.

Sustainable Urban Mobility

Encouraging public transport use may:

• Reduce dependence on private vehicles.
• Lower traffic congestion.
• Support environmentally sustainable transportation.

Economic Benefits

Studies from several states suggest that free or subsidized public transport can:

• Improve workforce participation.
• Increase access to markets and public services.
• Enhance overall social welfare.

Similar Schemes in Other States

Several states have introduced free or subsidized travel schemes for women:

Karnataka – Shakti Scheme

• Free bus travel for women in state-run buses.
• Introduced in 2023.

Delhi

• Free travel for women in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses through pink tickets.

Tamil Nadu

• Free travel for women in ordinary state-run buses.

These schemes aim to promote gender equity and improve access to public transport.

Related Organizations and Initiatives

Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC)

• State-owned public transport corporation of Kerala.
• Provides bus services across urban and rural areas.

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)

• Responsible for transport policy and road infrastructure at the national level.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The scheme contributes to:

• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Conclusion

The Priyadarshini Scheme represents a significant step toward enhancing mobility and financial accessibility for women and transgender persons in Kerala. While the initiative has the potential to promote social inclusion and gender empowerment, its long-term success will depend on efficient implementation, financial sustainability, and the ability of KSRTC to maintain service quality.