The new government approved the Priyadarshini Free Bus Travel Scheme for women. Officially, this scheme was announced on the 10th of June, and it will start from the 15th of June all over Kerala State. Under this scheme, Kerala women get travel in Kerala State Road Transport Corporation ordinary buses. This scheme will cover all ages, and there is no income criteria applicable to this scheme. Transgender individuals are also eligible for this scheme.

This scheme will provide free bus travel to women on KSRTC ordinary buses. This is the first phase of this scheme, which has been launched. Initially, this scheme is run on a trial basis for the first 100 days. This will burden of 60 crore rupees per month extra on KSRTC. The annual expenditure of the scheme is between 750 crore and 800 crore rupees. In case this scheme is extended for the next phase, then the expenditure will also increase up to 1300 crore rupees. The Kerala State government will compensate KSRTC for the revenue loss.

Priyadarshini Free Bus Travel Scheme

In the Priyadarshini Free Bus Travel Scheme, it is only ordinary buses of KSRTC. The first 100 days will be considered as the first phase. After that, it totally depends on the Kerala government whether they will extend the scheme or not. It is estimated that the government may consider extending this scheme to fast and super-fast buses. It totally depends on the financial position of KSRTC. After the formation of a new government in Kerala, this is one of the social welfare schemes started.

This scheme will help you travel free in KSRTC ordinary buses. It will help them financially and reduce their travel budget. It is not the first time that any state government has given free bus facilities to women. Similar schemes are already operated in many states. States like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh are also providing free bus facilities. Officially, this scheme will start on the 15th of June.

Scheme Name	Priyadarshini Scheme
Beneficery	Women’s and Transgender
Benefit	Free bus travel
Phase	1st Phase
Starts from	15th June 2026

Objective of Priyadarshini Free Bus Travel Scheme for Women

The primary objective behind the launch of the Priyadarshini scheme in Kerala is to provide free bus travel to women in KSRTC. This is a new initiative which will begin on the 15th of June. This scheme is a part of the Indira Guarantee Program.

It is a very good initiative toward greater Mobility, empowerment of women and social inclusion for women in Kerala state. When women get free bus travel on KSRTC ordinary buses, it will help them financially because it will save travel money. This amount they can save for other needs. Transgender people are also included in this scheme, and they also get the benefit of free bus travel. This scheme will help about 10 to 12 lakh women of Kerala travel daily in buses.

Key point of Priyadarshini Bus Travel Scheme

• In the Priyadarshini Free Bus Travel Scheme, women started taking advantage of this scheme from the 15th of June 2026.
• This Scheme is implemented for the first 100 days in its first phase. When the 100 days are completed, the government will decide whether to continue this scheme for the 2nd phase or not.
• This scheme only targets the women of Kerala who prefer KSRTC for Travel. The state government provide them free bus travel on KSRTC Ordinary Buses.
• This is the first phase of the scheme, which will continue for the initial 100 days.
• Transgender individuals are also eligible to take advantage of the scheme.
• For the next phase, after 100 days, the government is planning to add fast and super-fast buses to this scheme.

Eligibility Criteria for the Scheme

• Women’s permanent residents of Kerala are eligible for this scheme.
• Transgender individuals are also eligible for the free bus travel scheme in Kerala.
• There is no income criteria set for this scheme.
• There is no cast or special category criteria required.
• Women from all age groups are eligible for this scheme.
• Woman to show only their Aadhaar card or any other government-issued ID Card for free bus travel.
• The Priyadarshini Free Bus Travel Scheme facility is only provided in KSRTC Ordinary Buses.

Requirements

At the time of travel, a photo-based government ID Prof is required. You can use any document from the following list to prove your identity.

• Aadhaar card of a woman
• Voter Card/PAN Card or Driving License

How to avail the benefit of the Priyadarshini Free Bus Travel Scheme?

This scheme officially started from the 15th of June, in which free bus travel will be provided in KSRTC Ordinary buses for women. To take advantage of this scheme, after 15th June, there is no requirement for any type of registration. It is a social welfare scheme that applies to all women and transgender passengers.

At the time of travel, beneficiaries of the scheme need one government-issued ID, like Aadhaar Card/PAN Card/Voter ID Card or Driving License) to prove their identity. When the bus conductor demands any type of ID proof, then you can show one of the ID which is mentioned above.

About Priyadarshini Smart Scheme

This scheme is initially launched for the 100 days as its first phase. When the first phase of this scheme is completed, the government will implement the second phase, in which it may issue the Priyadarshini Smart Scheme. These cards will be generated after the verification of the applicant. The Kerala government do not clarify about the smart card launch process.

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