Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has announced that women will be allowed to travel free of cost on ordinary Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus services from June 15. The scheme is one of the key welfare promises made during the Assembly election campaign.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said the initiative is expected to cost the state around ₹70 crore per month, amounting to nearly ₹800 crore annually. The entire amount will be reimbursed to KSRTC by the state government.

The Chief Minister clarified that the benefit will be available only on ordinary KSRTC services in the first phase. There will be no age limit, and all women will be eligible for free travel regardless of age.

According to the government, the scheme aims to improve women's mobility, reduce transportation expenses for families, and encourage greater participation of women in education and employment. The government also expects KSRTC's revenue performance to improve within six months of implementation.

However, the announcement has sparked debate over the additional financial burden on the state, which already provides substantial support to the loss-making transport corporation. Critics have also pointed out that women in areas with limited ordinary KSRTC services may not fully benefit from the scheme, while concerns remain over the state's growing financial liabilities.

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