The Tamil Nadu government has announced the expansion of the free bus travel scheme Vetrri Payanam to strengthen the economic empowerment of women and students and improve their access to education and employment. Following a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, it was confirmed that the scheme will be implemented across Tamil Nadu from October 2.
The decision is expected to provide relief from transportation expenses for working women and college-going students while also making access to healthcare services easier.
According to government figures, around 84.32 lakh women will benefit from the expanded scheme every day. A total of 12,692 government buses, accounting for 69 per cent of the fleet operated by state transport corporations, have been earmarked under the scheme. These buses will complete a total of 1,65,312 single trips every day, accounting for around 85 per cent of the state's total bus operations.
Previously, the free travel facility was limited to ordinary city and town buses. Under the expanded arrangement, women will now be able to travel free of charge on express and deluxe buses operating within municipal corporation and municipality limits.
The facility will also cover mofussil ordinary and ghat ordinary buses operating for distances exceeding 40 kilometres on long-distance and hilly routes.
Technical preparations for the smooth implementation of the scheme are in the final stages. Integration of Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs) has been completed across all 12,692 buses. Officials have been directed to complete the inspection and verification of the entire system by September 25.
A statewide trial run will then be conducted on September 27, ahead of the official launch of the expanded Vetrri Payanam scheme on October 2. The expansion will bring a wider range of government bus services under the free travel facility for women across Tamil Nadu.
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