Tamil Nadu CM expands free bus scheme, announces cooking gas subsidy

Chief Minister Vijay expanded the state's existing fare-free bus travel scheme for women by extending the benefit to deluxe and express bus services, a significant broadening of the previous initiative that covered only ordinary buses. The announcement fulfils a key electoral promise made by his party, the Tamil Maanila Congress (Moovendar).

In a separate announcement during the assembly proceedings, Vijay declared that the state would provide three free cooking gas cylinders to beneficiary households annually. The measure forms part of the new government's efforts to address the cost of living concerns among Tamil Nadu residents.

The chief minister also announced the shelving of the Parandur greenfield airport project, a decision that addresses longstanding farmer opposition to the development. Landowners in the proposed project area had mounted sustained resistance to the scheme, citing concerns over agricultural land acquisition.

Monday's announcements represent the state government's initial steps in implementing commitments made during its recent election campaign, with several welfare and infrastructure-related promises now being operationalised through legislative action.