The Kerala government is set to launch a scheme providing free bus travel for women in KSRTC buses from June 15. Initially, the benefit will be limited to ordinary services due to financial constraints and operational issues discussed in a high-level meeting led by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and Transport Minister C.P. John. The scheme, part of the UDF government’s ‘Indira Guarantee’ program, will undergo a trial period for the first 100 days to assess passenger patterns, revenue impact, and operational challenges before potential expansion to higher-category buses.
The decision to restrict the initial phase to ordinary buses aims to analyze the financial implications, with an estimated additional burden of around Rs 57 crore for three months if extended to city fast services. The government plans to fully compensate for the financial burden, considering the daily usage of KSRTC services by approximately 23 lakh passengers, including 10 to 12 lakh women. Discussions are ongoing to secure additional funds through the Kerala Financial Corporation to support the scheme alongside existing financial aids for salaries and pensions.
The scheme will be inclusive, applying to women across all sections without income or caste considerations, and may involve the use of Aadhaar-linked smart cards to prevent misuse. Concerns have been raised regarding the unequal distribution of benefits, particularly in northern districts, prompting considerations for introducing new ordinary services in underserved areas. Employee unions have expressed financial concerns, with demands for full government liability coverage and proposals to convert KSRTC into a government department. However, the government assures that ticket revenue losses will be subsidized and budget allocations will prevent the scheme from burdening the corporation.
