Free KSRTC bus travel for women: Only for ordinary services in first 100 days; more services later

The first phase of the free travel scheme for women in Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses will be implemented in ordinary services. For the first 100 days of the scheme, women will be allowed to travel free only on ordinary buses. After this period, the Kerala government is actively considering extending the free travel benefit to more services, including fast and superfast buses, Transport Minister C.P. John said after a meeting with Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan here on Monday.

The travel concession for women, which was among the key ‘Indira Guarantees’ promised by the Congress-led UDF in its Assembly election manifesto, is set to be implemented in the State from June 15.

The Finance Secretary has been tasked with studying how to compensate KSRTC for the revenue loss resulting from the implementation of the scheme.

Practical difficulties and revenue loss

An expert committee appointed by the public transport utility had assessed that allowing free travel on higher-category buses, including fast passenger and long-distance services, from the beginning would cause significant practical difficulties and revenue losses.

Based on this assessment, it was decided to restrict free travel to ordinary buses during the first 100 days of the scheme. After studying travel patterns during this period, the proposal to extend the benefit to other categories of buses will be considered in the second phase.

Financial liability

According to an assessment by KSRTC, the financial liability arising from the implementation of the scheme in ordinary buses is estimated at around ₹712 crore per month. If the scheme is extended to all categories of buses, the liability is estimated to rise to around ₹1,300 crore per month.

An official announcement regarding the implementation of the scheme is likely to be made after the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.