Thrissur (Kerala) | Private bus operators in Kerala on Tuesday expressed strong concern over the state's newly launched free travel scheme for women in ordinary KSRTC buses, alleging that the government implemented it without consulting them and warned that it could severely affect their survival.

Representatives of private bus operators' organisations said women constitute a substantial share of their daily passengers and that many have shifted to KSRTC services following the launch of the 'Priyadarshini' scheme on Monday.

Private Bus Operators Federation General Secretary Hamsa claimed the number of women passengers in private buses has dropped sharply since the scheme came into effect.

"The government had earlier assured us that the scheme would be implemented in a manner that also protected the private bus industry, which is an integral part of the state's public transport system. But it is regrettable that the decision was now taken unilaterally without holding any discussion with us," he told reporters here.

He said the statement made by Chief Minister V D Satheesan during the scheme's inauguration that steps would be taken to strengthen the private bus sector offered some hope.

However, Hamsa warned that if the present situation continued, a large number of private buses could be forced off the roads by the end of the month as operators were already struggling to meet fuel expenses and pay salaries.

He claimed that nearly 75 per cent of private buses in the state may be unable to operate beyond June 30 because of a sharp fall in passenger revenue.

According to him, measures such as road tax concessions or minor fuel subsidies alone would not be sufficient to address the "crisis".

"If the private bus sector is to survive, the government will have to provide substantial assistance similar to the support extended to KSRTC," he said.

Hamsa said a meeting of private bus operators was scheduled to be held later in the day to finalise their demands and suggestions to be submitted to the government.

The Congress-led UDF government launched the 'Priyadarshini' scheme on Monday, providing free travel for women and transgender persons in ordinary KSRTC buses across Kerala. The initiative was one of the coalition's major election promises and aims to improve mobility, enhance access to education and employment, and reduce travel expenses for beneficiaries.

The government has maintained that the scheme is intended to provide financial relief to women while strengthening public transportation and has also indicated that measures would be taken to address concerns raised by the private bus sector.