- Free travel facility in eligible KSRTC ordinary bus services.
- Benefits available to women and transgender individuals.
Summary of the Scheme | |
|---|---|
| Name of Scheme | Keralam Priyadarshini Scheme |
| Launch Date | 15 June 2026 |
| Benefits | Free travel in KSRTC ordinary bus |
| Beneficiary | Women and transgender individuals residing in Kerala. |
| Nodal Agency | Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) |
| Subscription | Subscribe here to get Update Regarding Scheme |
| Mode of Apply | No application required. |
Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview
The Kerala Government has launched the Keralam Priyadarshini Scheme to provide free bus travel facilities to women and transgender individuals across the state. The scheme was approved by the Kerala Cabinet on 10 June 2026 and was formally launched by the Chief Minister on 15 June 2026. The initiative was one of the key promises made by the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) in its election manifesto. Following its return to power, the state government has moved forward with the implementation of the scheme as part of its commitment to expanding welfare measures and improving access to public transportation.
Popularly referred to as the Kerala Free Bus Travel Scheme, the programme allows eligible beneficiaries to travel free of cost in notified ordinary bus services operated by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). The Free Bus Travel Scheme in Kerala is expected to benefit lakhs of women and transgender individuals who rely on public transport for their daily commute. Through this initiative, the government aims to reduce travel expenses and improve access to education, employment, healthcare, and other essential services. The scheme has also become widely known as the KSRTC Women Travel Scheme because it is being implemented through eligible KSRTC bus services across the state.
The Kerala Government is implementing the KSRTC Priyadarshini Scheme in a phased manner. Women can avail the scheme benefits without any age limit or income criteria. At present, the scheme covers eligible KSRTC ordinary bus services. The government has indicated that after reviewing the monthly progress and operational status of the scheme, it may expand the free bus travel facility to other KSRTC bus services in subsequent phases.
Under the Priyadarshini free bus travel scheme for women, eligible passengers can travel without paying fares in covered KSRTC ordinary bus services. Women and transgender beneficiaries availing the benefit receive a zero-value ticket from the bus conductor during their journey. This ticket serves as proof of travel under the scheme while enabling KSRTC to maintain passenger records. The initiative has been designed to enhance mobility, encourage greater participation in educational and economic activities, and ensure safer and more accessible transportation options throughout Kerala.
The benefits of the scheme have also been extended to transgender individuals, making it an inclusive public welfare initiative. By covering both women and transgender passengers, the government aims to promote equal access to public transportation and strengthen social inclusion across the state.
The KSRTC Free Bus Travel Scheme for women is expected to place a significant financial responsibility on the state government. According to official estimates, the scheme will cost approximately ₹800 crore annually. The Kerala Government will bear the entire expenditure and compensate KSRTC for the revenue loss resulting from free travel provided under the scheme.
The introduction of Free Bus Travel for Women in Kerala is expected to provide significant financial relief to regular commuters. Students, working women, homemakers, senior citizens, and transgender individuals can benefit from reduced transportation costs while enjoying greater mobility throughout the state. With the introduction of free KSRTC travel for women and transgender individuals, Kerala joins a growing number of states that have adopted free bus travel programmes to improve mobility and reduce the financial burden of transportation on citizens.
Latest Update: Priyadarshini Logo Design Contest
The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has launched the Priyadarshini Logo Design Contest to select the official logo for the Priyadarshini Scheme. Designers, students, and creative professionals can participate by submitting an original logo. The winning entry will receive a cash prize of Rs. 10,000. Applicants who wish to participate in the contest need to fulfil the following conditions:
- Last Date for Submission: 30 June 2026.
- Submit the logo only through: [email protected].
- Accepted File Formats: PNG, PSD, PDF, CDR, and Vector formats (AI/EPS/SVG preferred).
- Minimum Resolution: 300 DPI.
- Minimum Image Size: 6000 × 6000 pixels.
- Preferred Colour Mode: RGB (CMYK version may also be submitted for printing).
- Maximum File Size: 100 MB.
- Only original logo designs are allowed.
Scheme Benefits
- Free travel facility in eligible KSRTC ordinary bus services.
- Benefits available to women and transgender individuals.
- All women can avail the scheme regardless of age or income.
- Reduces daily transportation expenses.
- Supports travel for education, employment, healthcare, and other purposes.
- Improves access to affordable public transportation across Kerala.
- Provides financial relief to regular commuters who depend on public transport.
- Promotes inclusive transportation by covering transgender individuals.
- Supports safer and more accessible travel across the state.
Eligibility Requirements
- The applicant must be a woman or transgender individual.
- The applicant must be a permanent resident of Kerala.
- The applicant must travel in buses covered under the scheme.
- Women can avail the scheme benefits without any age limit or income criteria.
- Beneficiaries may be required to produce a valid identity document if prescribed by the government.
- Any additional conditions notified by the Kerala Government must be fulfilled.
Required Documents
To avail the benefits of the Kerala Priyadarshini Scheme, women and transgender beneficiaries may be required to produce any one valid government-issued identity proof while travelling in eligible KSRTC bus services. The identity document can be any one of the following:
- Aadhaar Card.
- Voter ID Card.
- Driving Licence.
- Any other government-issued identity proof as prescribed.
- Additional documents, if required under future guidelines.
How to Avail Scheme Benefits
Eligible women and transgender beneficiaries can avail the benefits of the Kerala Priyadarshini Scheme through a zero-ticket system. While detailed operational guidelines are yet to be released, beneficiaries are expected to receive free travel benefits by producing a valid identity proof while travelling in eligible KSRTC bus services.
As of now, the Kerala Government has not announced any kilometre limit, daily travel limit, route restriction, or specific travel timing restriction under the scheme. Beneficiaries are advised to follow official notifications issued by KSRTC and the state government for updated guidelines regarding the usage conditions of the scheme.
How to Travel Free Under the Kerala Priyadarshini Scheme
- Board an eligible KSRTC ordinary bus covered under the scheme.
- Carry any one valid government-issued identity proof.
- Show the identity document to the conductor when requested.
- After verification, the conductor will issue a zero-value ticket for the journey.
- The beneficiary can then travel free of cost under the scheme.
The exact procedure for availing the Kerala Priyadarshini Scheme benefits will become clear after the Kerala Government and KSRTC issue detailed implementation guidelines.
Relevant Links
Contact Information
Frequently Asked Questions
The Kerala Priyadarshini Scheme is a free bus travel initiative launched by the Kerala Government. Under the scheme, women and transgender individuals can travel free of cost in eligible KSRTC ordinary bus services across the state.
Women and transgender individuals travelling in buses covered under the scheme can avail the benefits of the Kerala Free Bus Travel Scheme.
No. Women can avail the scheme benefits without any age limit.
No. The Kerala Government has not prescribed any income criteria for women to avail the scheme benefits.
Initially, the scheme covers eligible KSRTC ordinary bus services. The Kerala Government may consider extending the benefit to additional categories of buses in future phases.
A zero-value ticket is a ticket issued by the conductor without charging any fare. It serves as proof that the passenger has travelled under the Kerala Priyadarshini Scheme.
Beneficiaries may be required to show any one valid government-issued identity proof, such as an Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, Driving Licence, or another document accepted by the authorities.
As of now, the Kerala Government has not announced any kilometre limit, daily travel limit, route restriction, or timing restriction under the scheme.
Yes. The Kerala Priyadarshini Scheme extends free travel benefits to transgender individuals along with women.
The Kerala Government will bear the entire cost of the scheme and compensate KSRTC for the revenue loss arising from free travel provided to beneficiaries.
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