📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Michael Gäbler
Sarkari Yojana
Tamil Nadu government expands free bus scheme for women ahead of Oct 2 launch
✍️ India Today
🗓 22 Sep 2026, 03:38 AM
👁 12
The state government has announced an expansion of its free bus service for women, set to roll out on October 2, covering additional routes across Tamil Nadu.
Chennai, Tamil Nadu – The state administration announced on Monday that the free bus scheme for women will be broadened ahead of its official launch scheduled for October 2. The expansion will add several new routes in districts such as Coimbatore, Madurai and Tiruchirappalli, bringing the total number of covered routes to over 150.
Under the scheme, female passengers can travel without paying a fare on state‑run and private buses that have opted into the program, provided they present a valid government‑issued identity document. The government estimates that the initiative will benefit more than three million women annually and aims to improve safety and mobility for female commuters.
Transport Minister said the move reflects the government's commitment to gender‑inclusive transport and will be monitored through a dedicated portal that tracks usage and feedback. The scheme will be funded through the state’s transport budget and supported by central subsidies for women‑focused programs.
The launch on October 2, coinciding with Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, will be marked by a ceremonial ride involving senior officials and women representatives from various districts.
Officials have urged women to register on the online portal before the launch to ensure seamless access to the free rides.
Under the scheme, female passengers can travel without paying a fare on state‑run and private buses that have opted into the program, provided they present a valid government‑issued identity document. The government estimates that the initiative will benefit more than three million women annually and aims to improve safety and mobility for female commuters.
Transport Minister said the move reflects the government's commitment to gender‑inclusive transport and will be monitored through a dedicated portal that tracks usage and feedback. The scheme will be funded through the state’s transport budget and supported by central subsidies for women‑focused programs.
The launch on October 2, coinciding with Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, will be marked by a ceremonial ride involving senior officials and women representatives from various districts.
Officials have urged women to register on the online portal before the launch to ensure seamless access to the free rides.