Chennai | Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Friday launched the expanded 'Vettri Payanam' -- free bus travel for women -- coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti.
Over 84 lakh women will benefit daily from free bus scheme expansion and the beneficiaries may use services, including 'deluxe' and 'express' categories as well, the government said.
There would be no income ceiling for the beneficiaries to avail services, and there will also be no limit on the number of daily trips.
The welfare scheme's name is derived from the ruling party - Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam - to mean "victorious journey" (Vettri payanam) for women.
The scheme covers 12,695 buses across seven state transport corporations, with an estimated 84.32 lakh women expected to benefit daily.
During the event, the chief minister interacted with passengers and distributed free bus tickets to mark the official commencement of the welfare initiative.
Speaking on the occasion, Transport Minister A Vijay Tamilan Parthiban said the initiative aimed to provide free bus travel for women and transgenders to support their education, employment, livelihoods, and economic empowerment, ensuring that travel costs do not become a barrier to their progress.
He said the scheme was a means to foster equality, noting that there should be no distinction in travel rights.
Parthiban described the initiative as a "social revolution" intended to help women think independently, step out of their homes, and contribute to the growth of the state.
"The launch is also meant to honour the principles of social justice and women's empowerment, to facilitate their participation in the economy and society, ensuring that transportation costs do not hinder their access to education, employment, or healthcare," the minister added.
Previously limited to specific types of buses, the free travel facility has now been expanded to include more categories, such as express, deluxe, mofussil ordinary, and certain Ghat area services.
