Panel to study impact of ‘Priyadarshini’ free bus travel scheme on private buses in Kerala

Kerala Transport Minister C.P. John has said that the State government will appoint a special committee to assess the losses suffered by private bus operators following the introduction of the ‘Priyadarshini’ scheme offering free travel for women and transgender persons on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation’s (KSRTC) Ordinary buses.

Speaking to the media after visiting the KSRTC depot here on Monday (July 6, 2026), Mr. John said private bus operators had raised several demands before the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, but none had been addressed during the last 10 years.

“The government wants the private bus sector to survive. We will consider and implement practical suggestions from private bus operators,” he said.

Student concessions

The Minister said the government would examine issues such as student fare concessions and hold discussions with student organisations before taking a decision on revising concession fares.

“There will be reforms, but not a steep increase at one time. The interests of students will also be taken into account,” he said.

Mr. John said the government would not accept the unilateral actions of private bus services in Wayanad and warned of strict action against any illegal activities.

He said the tax concessions announced by the United Democratic Front (UDF) government were aimed at supporting the private bus sector, adding that protecting and promoting the industry remained the government’s policy.

At the same time, he ruled out withdrawing the Priyadarshini service, saying it had become a lifeline for lakhs of families in the State.

The Minister said the dispute was largely confined to routes where KSRTC and private buses operated simultaneously. He said private bus operators had the right to go on strike, but added that the UDF government would not resort to the methods adopted by the Pinarayi Vijayan government to break the ASHA workers’ strike.

‘No immediate solution’

The Minister acknowledged that the Priyadarshini service had increased crowding on KSRTC buses, but said the government had no immediate solution to the problem.

The government will hold talks with private bus operators later this week, he said.

Mr. John said private bus operators in the Malabar region did not face major issues because KSRTC services are limited there.

He said Kerala did not levy fines at border check posts for minor irregularities, unlike Tamil Nadu, where hefty penalties are imposed. The issue would be examined, he added.