Kerala free bus scheme benefits Tamil Nadu plantation workers, speculation of restrictions dismissed

The Priyadarshini scheme, launched by the Kerala government in 2023, aims to promote gender-inclusive public transport by offering complimentary travel on ordinary KSRTC buses to women and transgender persons. Its impact has been especially profound among the thousands of women cardamom plantation workers who cross the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border daily for work. These labourers, employed in the high ranges of Idukki district, have seen their commuting costs slashed to zero, allowing them to take home their full wages.

The sharp rise in ridership has led to a steep fall in daily fare collections, prompting speculation that the state government may consider limiting the scheme to within Kerala. Officials at the Kumily KSRTC depot confirmed that data on interstate services had been forwarded to higher-ups, but no formal proposal for restrictions had been made. KSRTC Managing Director Pramoj Sankar emphatically stated: "As long as no grievances are lodged, women travelling on our interstate ordinary buses will continue to enjoy free travel. There is no move to withdraw this facility."

Interstate ordinary buses plying from Kumily, Cumbumettu, and Bodimettu serve as the primary means of transport for these workers, connecting Tamil Nadu villages like Gudalur and Cumbum to Kerala's plantation hubs—Nedumkandam, Chakupallom, Anavilasom, Vandanmedu, Rajakumari, and Vallakkadavu. The free travel scheme has not only eased their financial burden but also reduced the stress of bargaining with private bus operators who often charge higher fares.

Rasathi, a resident of Gudalur who works in a Chakupallom estate, said: "Earlier, bus fare used to take a significant portion of our daily wage. Now, with Priyadarshini, we keep every rupee we earn. It is a blessing." Lakshmi Ammal from Cumbum added, "The Chief Minister’s decision shows real respect for working women. We feel seen and valued."

According to depot data, three key buses make nearly 20 combined trips daily on the Cumbum-Chakkupallom, Cumbum-Anavilasom, and Cumbum-Santhamnada routes. The average daily collection per bus dropped from ₹26,000 to less than ₹8,000 after the scheme’s implementation, while women passenger numbers surged to 100–120 per trip. Notably, male workers from Tamil Nadu have actively encouraged women in their communities to avail the free service, boosting awareness.

Despite the revenue shortfall, KSRTC management has underscored its commitment to the scheme’s original intent. The free interstate travel for women, as long as it remains operationally smooth, stands as a testament to Kerala’s welfare-oriented public transport policies that transcend state boundaries.