Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said the scheme would impose an estimated financial burden of around ₹70 crore per month on the state exchequer, amounting to nearly ₹800 crore annually. He stated that the entire cost of the programme would be reimbursed to KSRTC by the state government.
The Chief Minister noted that the government already provides approximately ₹1,500 crore every year to support KSRTC operations. He added that the additional subsidy required for the free travel initiative would also be fully borne by the state.
Expressing confidence in the programme’s long-term impact, Satheesan said the transport corporation’s revenue position was expected to improve within six months of the scheme’s implementation.
Clarifying the scope of the initiative, the Chief Minister said the benefit would be available only on ordinary KSRTC bus services during the first phase. He further announced that there would be no age restrictions, making all women eligible for free travel regardless of age.
The free travel facility was among the key welfare commitments made by the United Democratic Front during the Assembly election campaign. According to the government, the scheme is intended to enhance women’s mobility, reduce transportation expenses for households, and encourage greater participation of women in education and employment.
Responding to criticism regarding the limited availability of ordinary KSRTC services in certain regions, particularly parts of Malabar, Satheesan said the government was examining the issue. He described the rollout as the first phase of implementation and indicated that the programme would be expanded and refined on the basis of field-level assessments and passenger feedback.
Critics have questioned whether the scheme will deliver substantial benefits to women in areas where fast passenger and superfast services account for a larger share of KSRTC operations. Concerns have also been raised over the long-term fiscal implications of an additional annual subsidy of ₹800 crore at a time when the state continues to provide significant financial support to the loss-making transport corporation.
The debate has gained further significance in light of the Finance White Paper presented by the Chief Minister, which stated that the government faces arrears and other outstanding revenue dues exceeding ₹48,000 crore.
As Kerala prepares to roll out the ambitious welfare measure, the scheme is expected to become a major test of the government’s ability to balance social welfare commitments with mounting fiscal pressures, while addressing concerns over accessibility and financial sustainability.
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