Free travel scheme: Keralam govt. releases ₹88.23 crore to KSRTC to cover revenue loss
The Kerala government has released ₹88.23 crore to the KSRTC to compensate for revenue losses incurred by the 'Priyadarshini' free bus travel scheme. The scheme, which provides free travel for women and transgender passengers, saw over 41 million users in September.
Why it matters
This reflects the fiscal challenges governments face when implementing large-scale social welfare programs in public transport.
Free travel scheme: Keralam govt. releases ₹88.23 crore to KSRTC to cover revenue loss left VIBHU H The Hindu https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/iroief/article71623950.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/A-Bumpy-Ride_GOGP6GJV751.3.jpg.jpg VIBHU H Women travel in a KSRTC bus after the launch of the 'Priyadarshini' free bus travel scheme for women and transgender persons under the Indira Guarantee programme, in Kochi on Monday, June 15, 2026. Photo: H. Vibhu/The Hindu From September 1 to September 30, a total of 4,16,41,303 women passengers made use of the ‘Priyadarshini’ free travel scheme THIRUVANANTHAPURAM The State government has authorised the release of ₹88.23 crore to the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to make up for the revenue loss sustained by the transport utility on account of the free travel scheme for women and transgender passengers.
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