The launch of “Priyadarshini”, a free travel for women in government-run buses Kerala, has turned out to be a boon for many women from Theni district. The beneficiaries from Theni district said that they saved nearly ₹80 a day because of the scheme.Women workers told reporters that daily they travelled from Gudalur, Uthamapalayam, Cumbum, and other locations in Theni district on work to Cumbum Mettu, Nedungandam, Thookupaalam, Kattapanai, Kumily, and Vandiperiyar in Idukki district in Kerala.There were huge number of tea plantation and other crops grown in the neighbouring State where women from Theni worked. “Already, Tamil Nadu government had launched the free bus scheme for women. Now, Kerala too has introduced the service. It is really a double delight as we save nearly ₹80 a day,” they said.Devikulam Congress MLA Raja launched the scheme in Munnar.The Kerala government has decided to initially permit women to travel free in ordinary buses only and in select routes. The scheme would not be available in deluxe and long distance luxury coaches. Published - June 15, 2026 07:11 pm IST