Women travelling across Tamil Nadu could soon have more options for free bus travel. CM Vijay’s government is set to expand its existing free bus travel scheme under ‘Vetri Payanam’, with the wider facility scheduled to come into effect from October 2, 2026. Scroll on to know more about this.
CM Vijay To Cover 12,692 Buses Under Free Travel Scheme For Women
According to India Today, the expanded scheme will cover 12,692 government buses operated by the state’s seven transport corporations. According to the government, around 84.32 lakh women are expected to benefit from the facility every day.
The existing facility allows women to travel free on eligible ordinary city and town buses. Under Vetri Payanam, the coverage will be extended to several additional categories.
These will include Express, Limited Stop Service (LSS) and Deluxe buses operating within metropolitan and municipal areas. The scheme will also cover Mofussil Ordinary buses and Ghat Ordinary buses operating on routes beyond 40 km.
This means women travelling for work, education, medical appointments or other essential purposes will have access to a wider range of government bus services without having to pay the fare.
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When Will Vetri Payanam Start?
Of the 18,413 scheduled buses operated by Tamil Nadu’s seven State Transport Corporations, 12,692 will come under the expanded scheme. This works out to around 69% of the total scheduled fleet.
The buses covered under Vetri Payanam are expected to operate 1,65,312 single trips every day, accounting for about 85% of the state’s total scheduled single trips.
As per reports, the expanded scheme is scheduled to begin on October 2, with preparations already underway. The government has completed the integration of the designated buses with Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs).
System testing and verification are expected to be completed by September 25, followed by a trial run on September 27, ahead of the statewide rollout.
With more bus categories being included, women who previously had to choose between different services based on the fare could have greater flexibility when travelling across the state.
Also Read: Tamil Nadu CM Thalapathy Vijay Offers 1.6 Kg Silver Sword At THIS Temple In Karnataka
This scheme will bring a significant change to how women commute across Tamil Nadu!
Cover Image Courtesy: X/CMOTamilnadu & Pexels/Khaya Motsa (representative image)
FAQs
What is the Vetri Payanam scheme in Tamil Nadu?
Vetri Payanam is Tamil Nadu’s expanded free bus travel scheme for women, aimed at making travel to workplaces, colleges, hospitals and other essential services more accessible.
How many buses will be covered under Vetri Payanam?
Free travel will be available on 12,692 designated government buses across the state. These account for around 69% of the scheduled fleet operated by the seven State Transport Corporations.
Which buses are included under the expanded scheme?
The scheme will cover Express, Limited Stop Service (LSS) and Deluxe buses in corporation and municipal areas, along with Mofussil Ordinary and Ghat Ordinary buses operating beyond 40 km.
