Vijay Expands Free Bus Travel Scheme Across Tamil Nadu After Becoming CM

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has unveiled a wider women-focused welfare agenda, with the “Vetri Prayanam” free bus travel initiative emerging as one of the most talked-about promises. The scheme aims to provide free travel for women on all government-operated buses across the state, including express services, significantly expanding the benefits currently available under the existing transport policy.

Apart from the transport initiative, the new government has also announced several welfare programmes targeting women and families. These include the “Singa Pengal Development Scheme” for women empowerment, the “Thaai Maaman Gold Ring Scheme” for newborn children, fast-track courts for women under the “Anjalai Ammal” initiative, and the “Annan Seer Scheme” that offers silk sarees and gold assistance for brides. The administration has additionally promised six LPG cylinders for households.

Vetri Prayanam vs Existing Free Bus Scheme

Tamil Nadu already operates the “Vidiyal Payanam” scheme introduced in 2021, which allows women and transgender passengers to travel free on government-run city and town white-board buses by showing valid photo identification.

The newly proposed “Vetri Prayanam” scheme goes beyond the earlier policy by extending free travel benefits to all categories of government buses, including long-distance and express services. This expansion is expected to benefit working women, students, and daily commuters travelling between districts.

Focus on Women’s Safety

The government has also linked the transport scheme with enhanced women’s safety measures. Plans include installing smart panic buttons in buses and shared autorickshaws, alongside deploying women police officers in plain clothes across the state.

A dedicated women’s security force named after historic Tamil queen Rani Velu Nachiyar is also expected to be formed, with around 500 personnel assigned to strengthen public safety monitoring.

Similar Discussions in Kerala

The move has also drawn attention in neighbouring Kerala, where discussions around free travel for women have gained momentum. Kerala’s KSRTC recently introduced “gender ticketing” to analyse women passenger numbers ahead of a possible rollout of similar benefits in the future.