KSRTC Free Travel Scheme for Women: UDF Government faces Uncertainty Over Implementation

Thiruvananthapuram: The UDF government is facing uncertainty over the implementation of its proposed free travel scheme for women on KSRTC buses, with key decisions on eligibility and operational guidelines yet to be finalised. Chief Minister had earlier announced that the scheme would come into effect from June 15, but the government has so far failed to establish a clear framework for its rollout.

According to a preliminary report submitted by KSRTC, providing completely free travel for women across the network could result in a monthly revenue loss of around ₹112 crore. Based on these estimates, the government is still deliberating whether the benefit should be limited to ordinary services or extended to long-distance and higher-category buses as well.

Officials have not yet reached a consensus on the scope of the scheme, creating uncertainty over how the promised initiative can be launched within the announced timeframe. A series of high-level meetings chaired by the Chief Minister is expected in the coming days to address the issue and finalise the guidelines.

The proposal was one of the UDF’s major election promises, with the coalition pledging free travel for women not only for daily commuting but also for purposes such as tourism and pilgrimage. However, departmental assessments indicate that extending the benefit to all categories of travel may not be financially feasible under current conditions.

With less than a month remaining before the proposed launch date, the government faces mounting pressure to clarify the scheme's eligibility criteria, coverage and funding model.