Key facts
- Kerala's UDF government launched the 'Priyadarshini' scheme.
- The scheme provides free travel on ordinary KSRTC buses for women and transgender individuals.
- No registration or documentation is required; passengers will receive zero-value tickets.
- The initiative aims to reduce financial strain on daily commuters.
- The scheme is expected to cover all 3,125 ordinary KSRTC buses statewide.
The Congress-led UDF government in Kerala has launched the 'Priyadarshini' scheme, offering free travel to women and transgender persons on ordinary KSRTC buses. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan inaugurated the program, fulfilling a key election promise aimed at easing the financial burden on daily commuters. The scheme requires beneficiaries to obtain a zero-value ticket from conductors, with journeys digitally recorded for accounting purposes. Initially, the concession will be available on all 3,125 ordinary KSRTC buses across the state, irrespective of age, income, or social status. The opposition CPI(M) criticized the scheme for its initial limitation to ordinary services.