Following the launch of the Priyadarshini free‑travel scheme, daily women passengers on KSRTC ordinary buses rose from 6.48 lakh to 12.12 lakh. The surge did not cannibalise male ridership, the transport minister said.

मुख्य बिंदु (Key Takeaways)

  • Women daily ridership on KSRTC ordinary buses grew by 87%
  • Women’s share rose from 50.9% to 66.6% after the scheme
  • Male passenger numbers remained stable, indicating induced demand

Kerala’s Transport Minister C.P. John told a press conference on Thursday that the average daily number of women passengers on KSRTC ordinary buses increased from 6.48 lakh to 12.12 lakh after the rollout of the Priyadarshini free‑travel scheme for women and transgender people – an 87 % rise.

Statistical Overview and Share Shift

According to the latest review, the proportion of women passengers on ordinary KSRTC services jumped from 50.9 % to 66.6 %. Overall, the average daily footfall across KSRTC’s ordinary and super‑class buses rose from 19.03 lakh to 24.53 lakh, marking a 28.9 % increase. This demonstrates that the scheme generated new travel demand rather than merely reallocating existing passengers.

Environmental and Fuel Efficiency Gains

Minister John highlighted that accommodating the additional riders within the existing network reduced fuel consumption per passenger and cut carbon emissions. The outcome aligns with Kerala’s broader green‑growth agenda, delivering both economic and ecological benefits.

Impact on Male Ridership

Despite the scheme’s implementation, the number of male passengers on ordinary buses has stayed virtually unchanged. This indicates that the rise in women’s ridership did not come at the expense of other commuters, reinforcing the inclusive nature of the policy.

Temporary Staff Controversy and Government Response

In parallel, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) alleged that KSRTC dismissed 200 temporary employees and delayed salaries for around 6,000 staff members. Minister John refuted the claim of dismissals, acknowledging only a delay in salary disbursement, which will be resolved promptly. He also announced the formation of a Transport Management Committee in each depot to oversee operations and safeguard employee welfare.

Looking Ahead

The Priyadarshini initiative sets a precedent for gender‑responsive public transport in India, creating a safer travel environment while stimulating new demand. If replicated nationwide, the model could significantly boost public‑transport utilisation and contribute to sustainable urban mobility.