Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala Transport Minister C P John on Thursday termed the UDF government's 'Priyadharshini' scheme, offering free travel for women on KSRTC buses, as a "huge success", saying it increased the number of women travellers and reduced the carbon output of the state-run transport service.

John, at a press conference here, said that in the one month after launch of the scheme on ordinary bus service of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), 3.81 crore travels were recorded under the initiative.

The one month of the scheme also saw an increase in the number of daily women commuters on KSRTC buses from around 5-6 lakh to 12.71 lakh.

"The percentage of women among the passengers has increased to 66 per cent on KSRTC buses at a time when we are talking of 33 per cent reservation for them," he said and added that the success of the scheme was primarily due to the media support it received.

He said that the scheme also had a big impact on the environment as the carbon output of KSRTC reduced from the earlier 504 kilograms to 404 kg per 1,000 passengers.

"So, KSRTC has become more cleaner," he said.

The minister further said that the scheme has also helped to increase the revenue of women and the department plans to conduct studies to quantify the same.

The initiative has received over 11,000 five star ratings and also had a positive impact on tourism in hill stations in the state.

John said that people travelling to hill stations, like Malakkappara in Thrissur and Gavi in Pathanamthitta districts, on KSRTC buses has increased by 30 per cent to 48 per cent.

The Priyadarshini scheme was introduced by the government on ordinary service of KSRTC buses in the first phase from June 15 onwards and completed one month on July 15.