Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is set to introduce a dedicated women-only night bus service from July 23, with the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) rolling out the pilot under the name 'Pink Bus'.

The initiative is designed to improve the safety and accessibility of public transport for women travelling during late hours.

The first service will operate in Thiruvananthapuram, linking several important locations across the city.

The route will connect East Fort, Thampanoor, Pattom, Medical College, RCC, Ulloor, Kazhakkoottam, Technopark, Infosys, Lulu Mall and KIMS Hospital, catering to commuters who frequently travel between these hubs.

The government said the service has been planned with the needs of women working late shifts in mind, particularly employees in the IT sector.

It is also expected to benefit hospital staff, patients arriving at Thampanoor railway station during the night and women returning home after late-evening engagements.

Transport Minister C P John said the initiative forms part of the state government's 100-day action plan.

He added that the proposal was also influenced by requests from 'Prathidhwani', an organisation representing IT professionals, which had sought reliable late-night transport options for women working night shifts.

For the pilot phase, KSRTC will deploy its latest fast passenger buses from the Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam depots.

The corporation is also exploring future additions such as online seat reservations and electric buses if the project receives a positive response.