UDF govt to roll out free KSRTC rides for women from June 15

Thiruvananthapuram: The UDF government led by V D Satheesan is reportedly set to launch its much-awaited free bus travel scheme for women on June 15, nearly a month after assuming office, though the initiative will initially come with certain limitations.

According to sources, the scheme will be available only on KSRTC ordinary services in its first phase and will be implemented on a 100-day trial basis. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting attended by Satheesan and Transport Minister C P John, with the government seeking to assess passenger demand and manage the financial impact before considering an expansion to fast and super-fast services.

An official announcement is expected after Wednesday’s cabinet meeting, The New Indian Express reported.

The free travel programme, one of the Congress-led UDF’s key ‘Indira Guarantees’ promises, is expected to place a significant financial burden on the state-run transport corporation. Estimates suggest that extending free travel on ordinary services alone could cost the government around Rs 712 crore annually, while covering all KSRTC services could push the expenditure to nearly Rs 1,300 crore a year.

Sources said Satheesan had directed officials to ensure that transgender persons are also included among the beneficiaries of the scheme.

The finance secretary has been asked to prepare a report on compensating KSRTC for the anticipated revenue loss. The Chief Minister is also said to have instructed officials to explore ways of generating additional income through the utilisation of KSRTC properties.

The government already provides around Rs 125 crore every month to cover KSRTC salaries and pensions. The previous LDF administration is said to have extended more than Rs 13,000 crore in support to the corporation over the past decade.

Revenue performance had improved towards the end of the LDF government’s tenure, enabling the restoration of timely salary payments.

Amid concerns among KSRTC employees over the possible impact of the scheme on wages, Transport Minister John assured staff that the government would bear the financial burden and that salary payments would remain unaffected.

Private bus operators have expressed apprehension that the move could significantly reduce passenger numbers on their services. However, they were assured by the Chief Minister in an earlier meeting that no policy affecting the sector would be finalised without consultations with stakeholders.

Observers have also pointed to a possible regional imbalance in the initial phase, noting that passengers in northern districts may benefit less because KSRTC operates relatively few ordinary services in those areas.