Priyadarshini Scheme: CM VD Satheesan Flags Off Free KSRTC Bus Travel For Women & Transgender

Fulfilling a historic poll promise within its first month in office, the Congress-led UDF government in Kerala has officially rolled out the "Priyadarshini" free transit scheme. Chief Minister VD Satheesan flagged off the landmark initiative at Thampanoor Central Bus Station, joining the inaugural trip to the Secretariat aboard a bus driven and conducted entirely by women. Open to all women and transgender individuals across 3,125 ordinary KSRTC buses, the scheme requires no registration, issuing automated "zero-fare" tickets instead. While hailed as a major socio-economic stimulus, the launch drew political boycotts from the opposition LDF over its phased tier rollout.