Kerala on Monday launched Priyadarshini, the ambitious free bus travel scheme for women and transgender persons. Chief Minister V D Satheesan inaugurated the scheme at the Thampanoor Central Bus Station at around 9:30 AM.
The Chief Minister, along with Transport Minister C P John, and SC/ST Welfare Minister K A Thulasi are a part of the inaugural journey of the scheme, which is being undertaken by two women KSRTC employees.
The scheme, one of the key provisions in the election manifesto of the United Democratic Front (UDF), provides free travel for women and transgender persons in all the categories of Ordinary bus services operated by the KSRTC. Ordinary, city ordinary, limited-stop ordinary, fair-stage ordinary, town-to-town, point-to-point, and Gramavandi services are covered under the scheme.
Under the scheme, eligible passengers must be issued a Zero Fare Ticket by the conductors. Eligible buses will also display the tag Priyadarshini to avoid any confusion.
The excitement regarding the beginning of the scheme is palpable across Kerala, especially among women travellers. The government has mooted the scheme as a woman empowerment measure as well as a measure with significant socio-economic impact for Kerala.
However, critics point out the financial burden created by a scheme of this magnitude. The implementation is expected to cost nearly ₹2 crore a day for ordinary services alone, according to preliminary estimates. However, the Chief Minister has stated that the government would provide KSRTC with the needed compensation.