Tamil Nadu CM Vijay announces expansion of free bus travel for women in deluxe, mofussil buses
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced the expansion of the 'Vettri Payanam' scheme, allowing women to travel for free on express and deluxe buses across the state. The policy change, effective October 2, aims to improve mobility for students and women at an annual cost of ₹6,000 crore.
Why it matters
This expansion significantly increases state-funded social welfare, impacting public transport accessibility for millions of women and transgender individuals.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday (August 24, 2026) expanded the Vettri Payanam scheme ( previously Vidiyal Payanam ), which provides free bus travel for women, to allow them to travel on express, LSS, and deluxe buses. The expansion will come into effect on Gandhi Jayanti (October 2) this year.
Making a suo motu statement in the Legislative Assembly, he said women were currently allowed to travel free only on ordinary buses in cities and municipal areas, and in hill areas for up to 40 km.
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