Kerala free bus travel scheme boosts women’s mobility across Tamil Nadu border

Kerala’s free bus travel scheme for women is creating a major impact beyond state borders, with the interstate KSRTC service connecting Idukki and Cumbum in Tamil Nadu becoming increasingly popular among daily commuters. The service is helping plantation workers and students reduce travel expenses while improving access to education and employment.

According to KSRTC staff, the number of women passengers has increased significantly, especially among plantation workers who earlier depended on paid jeep services. Despite temporary road-related disruptions, interstate services continue to witness strong demand.

Women commuters say free travel has reduced financial pressure and made daily work travel easy. Many workers believe the savings are meaningful for households that depend on plantation income.

However, private transport operators say the scheme has reduced female ridership and affected their earnings.

The Priyadarshini scheme is increasingly becoming a mobility support system for women across Kerala’s border regions.