Tamil Nadu CM Vijay launches Vettri Payanam scheme, expanding no-fare bus travel for women
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has launched the 'Vettri Payanam' scheme, which expands free bus travel for women and transgender persons across various bus services in the state. The initiative aims to benefit millions of daily commuters, though it is temporarily suspended in districts undergoing bypolls.
Why it matters
This policy represents a significant social welfare expansion aimed at improving mobility and economic participation for women and transgender individuals.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched the ‘Vettri Payanam’ scheme on Friday (October 2, 2026), expanding no-fare bus travel for women and transgender persons, at the Koyambedu bus terminus in Chennai. Coinciding with Gandhi Jayanthi, Mr. Vijay kickstarted the scheme by issuing free tickets to women passengers.
Women ride a no-fare bus after the launch of the Vettri Payanam Thittam by CM Vijay in Chennai on Friday | Photo Credit: R. Ragu
The Vettri Payanam scheme will benefit 84.32 lakh beneficiaries every day.
In the expanded scheme, women can undertake no-fare travel in the Ordinary, Express, Limited Stop Service (LSS), and Deluxe buses in cities and towns, Ordinary buses in mofussil areas, and Ordinary buses in Ghat sections over 40 km.
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