Tamil Nadu CM Vijay reviews preparations for expansion of Vetri Payanam scheme
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has reviewed preparations for the expansion of the 'Vetri Payanam' scheme, which provides free bus travel for women. The initiative covers various bus types for distances up to 40 km and is set to launch on October 2, 2026.
Why it matters
This expansion represents a significant social welfare policy aimed at improving mobility and economic access for over 8 million women in the state.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday (September 21, 2026) chaired a meeting at the Secretariat to review preparations for the launch of the expansion of the Vetri Payanam (free bus travel for women, previously called Vidiyal Payanam) scheme on Gandhi Jayanthi, on October 2, 2026.
An official release recalled that in a suo motu statement in the Assembly recently, Mr. Vijay had announced the expansion of the free bus travel scheme for women in the State. Under the expanded scheme, women will be allowed to travel free of cost in Express, LSS, Deluxe, Mofussil Ordinary, and Ghat Ordinary buses for distances of up to 40 km.
A total of 12,692 buses have been brought under the scheme, which the government said would benefit 84.32 lakh women.
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