The Mahalakshmi free bus travel scheme for women recorded an increase of 97.20 lakh passengers during July-September 2026 compared with the same period last year. TGSRTC has added buses and trips on several inter-district and Hyderabad-linked routes to meet rising demand
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay will launch the expanded Vetri Travel Scheme for women on October 2. The programme extends free travel to Express, LSS and Deluxe government buses, with 12,692 buses expected to come under its coverage across the state
Private bus operators in Kerala have threatened an indefinite strike over financial losses linked to KSRTC's Priyadarshini scheme offering free travel to women. Operators rejected an expert committee's recommendations and will decide on statewide service suspension at a September 8 meeting
KSRTC has announced that women and transgender persons can travel free from June 15 under the Priyadarshini scheme on seven categories of ordinary bus services. The Kerala government will reimburse KSRTC, while special stickers will identify eligible buses
Private bus operators in West Bengal claim revenue losses following the introduction of free bus travel for women on state-run services. They have urged the government to adopt a kilometre-based operational scheme to offset losses and ensure the sector's viability
The All Kerala Men's Association has announced protests against the Kerala government's free bus travel scheme for women, alleging discrimination. The Priyadarshini scheme, launching on June 15, offers free travel in KSRTC ordinary buses and is expected to cost the state up to Rs 800 crore annually
The new UDF government in Kerala led by Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced free KSRTC bus travel for women, increased honorariums for welfare workers, a senior citizens department, and a reinvestigation into an alleged Youth Congress assault case
A study by EThames Business School found that over half of women using TGSRTC buses face discomfort, with limited awareness of safety tools. The study urges systemic reforms, including gender-sensitivity training and tech-based complaint systems to enhance commuter safety
The bus service will be plying between Balanagar and Bowenpally via Dulapally and facilitate women travelling in the Jeedimetla and Balanagar industrial zone.
