Tamil Nadu to expand free bus travel scheme for women to deluxe services

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin unveiled plans to expand the state's flagship free bus travel initiative for women to encompass deluxe and mofussil bus services, marking a significant extension of the existing welfare scheme. The announcement came as the state prepares to implement the broader coverage from October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti celebrations.

Currently, women passengers are eligible for complimentary travel only on ordinary buses operating within city and municipal limits, as well as on routes in hill areas covering up to 40 kilometres. The expansion will remove these restrictions and extend free passage to women travellers across deluxe and mofussil bus categories, substantially increasing the scheme's reach and accessibility across the state's transport network.

The initiative represents a continuation of the DMK government's focus on providing subsidised public transport services to women, a cornerstone of the party's electoral promises in Tamil Nadu. Officials indicated that the scheme would apply across all eligible bus categories operated by the state transport corporations.

The decision underscores the state administration's commitment to enhancing affordable mobility for women commuters, particularly those relying on public transport for daily travel needs across urban, semi-urban, and rural areas of Tamil Nadu.