Chief Minister Vijay of Tamil Nadu will inaugurate the ‘Vetri Payanam’ scheme on October 2 in Chennai, aligning with Gandhi Jayanti. The initiative expands the existing free bus travel facility for women, which previously covered only ordinary buses in metropolitan and urban areas. The new provisions include free travel on Express, LSS, and Deluxe buses, as well as ordinary suburban buses between districts and regular services in hill areas beyond 40 kilometres.

During a session of the Legislative Assembly last month, the Chief Minister announced the updates to the scheme under Rule 110. This extension aims to enhance public transport access for women across a broader range of bus services, thereby promoting equal travel opportunities.

This revamped programme will encompass a total of 12,692 buses operated by seven transport corporations owned by the Tamil Nadu government. It is projected that approximately 84.32 lakh women will benefit from the scheme each day, significantly improving their commuting options.

Implementation Locations and Guidelines

The launch of the ‘Vetri Payanam’ scheme is set to take place in Koyambedu and Ambattur, two key locations in Chennai. Additionally, a video detailing the responsibilities of bus conductors upon the scheme’s initiation has been released to ensure smooth implementation. The focus is on providing a user-friendly experience for women utilising these services.

The initiative also aims to serve transgender individuals in its efforts to offer fare-free public transport. By expanding the eligible services, the Tamil Nadu government is taking steps to create an inclusive environment for all individuals within the public transport system.

As part of ongoing welfare measures, this scheme underlines the state’s commitment to enhance the liveliness of public transport and address issues of safety and accessibility for women commuting within urban landscapes.

Previous Initiatives by the Chief Minister

The programme will be available in most regions, while exceptions are made for Maduranthakam and Dharapuram, where by-elections are scheduled. The initiative is designed to offer an additional layer of support to newborns from qualifying families, commemorating the joyous occasion of a new birth.

Minister Arun Raj expressed the significance of the maternal uncle’s role in a family during the announcement. He highlighted how the Tamil Nadu Government, under CM Vijay’s leadership, acknowledges this relationship through the provision of a gold ring, symbolising love and support for new mothers and their children. The choice of Madurai as the launch location is seen as a tribute to the region’s cultural and emotional heritage.

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