Keralam Free KSRTC Bus Travel Scheme for Women

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

The Kerala Government has successfully launched the Keralam Free KSRTC Bus Travel Scheme for Women on 15 June 2026, fulfilling a major election promise aimed at improving women's mobility and access to affordable public transportation. Under this women-centric welfare initiative, eligible women residents of Kerala can now travel free of cost on ordinary KSRTC buses operating across the state. The scheme has been introduced to strengthen women's independence, reduce daily transportation expenses, and ensure easier access to employment, education, healthcare, and other essential services. Popularly known as the Priyadarshini Scheme, the initiative is one of the flagship welfare programmes of the newly elected state government.

The KSRTC Free Bus Travel Scheme for Women allows women to use eligible Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus services without paying any fare charges. Women travelling for work, education, healthcare, business activities, shopping, or personal purposes can benefit from this free public transport facility. By removing daily transportation expenses, the Kerala Government aims to reduce the financial burden on women and make travel easier, safer, and more accessible.

The scheme is expected to benefit lakhs of women, including students, working women, senior citizens, homemakers, and women from economically weaker sections. Free bus travel will help women save money on daily commuting expenses while improving their access to employment opportunities, educational institutions, hospitals, government offices, and other essential services. The government introduced this initiative to encourage greater participation of women in social and economic activities across Kerala.

According to the implementation guidelines, eligible women beneficiaries can avail free travel on ordinary KSRTC buses operating on urban, semi-urban, and rural routes throughout the state. To receive the benefit, women passengers must show a valid government-issued identity proof while boarding the bus. After verification, the conductor will issue a zero-value ticket (Zero Ticket), allowing them to travel free of cost under the scheme. Women travelling under the scheme are required to carry their identification documents and follow the travel procedures prescribed by KSRTC and the Kerala Government.

The Keralam KSRTC Free Bus Scheme represents one of the major women's welfare initiatives launched by the state government in recent years. The programme highlights the government's focus on women's empowerment, affordable transportation, and inclusive public transport facilities. Following its successful rollout, the initiative is expected to make daily travel more convenient and cost-effective for women throughout Kerala.

Scheme Benefits

• Completely free travel on eligible ordinary KSRTC bus services across Kerala.
• Zero fare charges for women passengers travelling on covered ordinary bus routes.
• Free travel benefit available after showing a valid identity proof and obtaining a Zero Ticket.
• Reduces monthly transportation expenses and improves financial savings.
• Enhances women's mobility, safety, and independence in daily travel.
• Supports access to employment opportunities, businesses, and government services.
• Facilitates affordable travel to schools, colleges, hospitals, and workplaces.
• Benefits students, working women, homemakers, senior citizens, and other eligible women travellers.
• Encourages greater participation of women in social and economic activities across Kerala.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicant must be a woman (female gender)
• Must be a resident of Kerala state
• All age groups of women are eligible
• No income or age restrictions apply

Required Documents

• Valid identity proof
• Proof of Kerala residency
• Passport-sized photograph
• Filled application form
• Mobile Number linked with Aadhaar Card
• Others as notified in the notification.

Steps to Avail Free Bus Travel Benefit

Women are not required to submit any online application or register separately to avail the benefits of the Keralam Free KSRTC Bus Travel Scheme for Women. Eligible women can directly use the facility while travelling on covered ordinary KSRTC bus services by following the steps below:

• Step 1: Board an eligible ordinary KSRTC bus operating under the scheme.
• Step 2: Carry a valid government-issued identity proof such as an Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, Passport, or any other approved identification document.
• Step 3: Show your identity proof to the conductor when requested during the journey.
• Step 4: After verifying your eligibility, the conductor will issue a Zero Ticket (₹0 Ticket).
• Step 5: Travel free of cost on the eligible ordinary KSRTC bus route using the Zero Ticket issued by the conductor.

No separate application form, registration process, travel pass, or online enrolment is currently required to avail the scheme benefits. Eligible women can directly travel on covered ordinary KSRTC bus services by carrying valid identification documents and obtaining a Zero Ticket from the conductor.

Relevant Links

• KSRTC Official Website

Contact Information

• Contact details about the KSRTC Free Bus Travel Scheme for Women are not available. For more details. beneficiary may contact:
  • KSRTC Helpline Number