Kerala To Launch Free Bus Travel Scheme for Women
Kerala plans to implement a free bus travel scheme for women in all KSRTC buses beginning June 15. The estimated cost ranges from Rs 712 crore to Rs 1,300 crore annually, with government support needed for the initiative.
Highlights
- •Kerala launches free bus travel scheme for women starting June 15
- •Estimated annual cost of Rs 712 crore to Rs 1,300 crore
- •Scheme includes all women without categorization
- •Government will provide subsidy to cover expenses
Thiruvananthapuram, June 2023 – The Kerala government aims to roll out a free bus travel scheme specifically for women on June 15 via the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). The estimated annual cost of the initiative ranges from Rs 712 crore to Rs 1,300 crore, contingent upon its scope and implementation coverage.
Kerala Transport Minister CP John stated that further details will be shared by Chief Minister VD Satheesan after a Cabinet meeting on June 10. This scheme stems from five key guarantees promised during the Congress-led UDF coalition's election campaign in Kerala. According to John, the facility would extend to all women without any categorization.
Financial Aspects and Government Support
Retailing Rs 712 crore annually for ordinary-category buses, the cost could rise to around Rs 1,300 crore if extended across all categories. Minister John reassured that government subsidy would cover these expenditures as they couldn't be supported by KSRTC's existing revenue. Currently, the government allocates nearly Rs 125 crore monthly towards salaries and pensions in KSRTC.
The scheme will also include transgender individuals under its ambit. Any increase in passenger numbers post-implementation could trigger discussions on whether additional buses are necessary. The progress of this initiative will be monitored for an unspecified duration after the release date.
"Whatever decision is taken, the government will provide the subsidy," Minister John said, emphasizing that KSRTC employees and stakeholders should not be overly concerned.
