Thiruvananthapuram | Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Tuesday hailed the completion of 100 days of the state government's 'Priyadarshini' scheme, providing free travel to women on KSRTC ordinary service buses, terming it a historic milestone in women empowerment and mobility in the state.
Satheesan, in an 'X' post, said that since the launch of the scheme -- one of the Indira guarantees announced by the UDF during its poll campaign -- there have been 12.62 crore free rides for women with 12.88 lakh daily users.
The scheme not only provided vital support for students, workers and everyday commuters, it also led to a 94 per cent surge in women travellers to tourist destinations like Gavi and Ponmudi, the CM said.
He also said that the overall ridership on the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses grew by 43 per cent without affecting male passenger numbers.
"Celebrating 100 days of the Priyadarshini KSRTC free travel scheme a historic milestone in women empowerment and mobility in Kerala! 12.62 crore free rides: empowering women and transgender individuals on KSRTC ordinary services. 12.88 lakh daily users: providing vital support for students, workers, and everyday commuters.
"Tourism growth: a 94 per cent surge in women travelers heading to destinations like Gavi and Ponmudi. Inclusive success: overall KSRTC ridership grew by 43 per cent without affecting male passenger numbers," the CM said in his post.
State Transport Minister C P John said that the 100 days of the scheme, which was launched on June 15, 2026, will be "written in golden letters" in the history of Keralam's public transport system.
"From here on the number of travellers will continue to increase," he said while speaking to reporters.
He said that there would be no increase in the number of Priyadarshini buses, but buses on some routes would be rearranged or shifted to other routes.
"Instructions have been issued to do it," the minister said.
On Monday, the minister said there had been a 60 per cent increase in women travelling on state transport corporation buses.
He also said that celebrations will be held in the 93 KSRTC depots to mark the occasion.
