Tamil Nadu Expands Free Bus Travel for Women: CM Vijay to Launch Vettri Payanam

Tamil Nadu is set to expand its free bus travel scheme for women and transgender persons, with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay scheduled to launch the expanded Vettri Payanam scheme on October 2, 2026, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti.

Under the expanded scheme, eligible beneficiaries will be able to travel free of charge on 12,692 state-run buses across Tamil Nadu. The initiative extends the existing free bus travel facility to additional categories of bus services, making public transport more accessible to women and transgender passengers.

Free Bus Travel Extended to More Bus Services

Previously, the free travel facility was primarily available on ordinary city buses. The expanded scheme will cover additional services, including express, limited-stop and deluxe buses operated across corporations, municipalities, town panchayats and hill areas, according to the announcement.

The expansion is intended to give women and transgender persons greater flexibility when travelling for work, education, healthcare, shopping and other daily activities.

No Income Limit for Beneficiaries

The scheme does not impose an income limit or a daily ceiling on the number of eligible journeys, according to the details provided.

The expansion is expected to benefit approximately 84 lakh women daily and facilitate more than 16 lakh one-way trips, as reported in the announcement.

By extending free travel to additional bus categories, the government aims to improve access to public transport across urban and other parts of Tamil Nadu.

What Is the Vettri Payanam Scheme?

Vettri Payanam, meaning “victorious journey”, is the name given to the expanded free bus travel initiative.

The scheme builds on Tamil Nadu`s existing policy of providing free bus travel for women on eligible ordinary bus services. Its expansion is expected to offer beneficiaries more travel options across the state.

Political Debate Over the Free Bus Scheme

The expansion has also prompted political debate over the origin of the initiative. DMK leader T. K. S. Elangovan criticised the naming of Vettri Payanam, describing it as a rebranding of the previous DMK government`s Vidiyal Payanam Thittam.

The DMK has maintained that free bus travel for women was introduced under its government. The latest announcement focuses on expanding the range of bus services covered by the scheme.

How the Expanded Scheme Could Help Passengers

The expanded free bus travel facility could help eligible women and transgender passengers reduce daily transportation expenses and access a wider range of destinations.

The inclusion of additional bus categories may also provide greater convenience for passengers travelling longer distances or using services beyoyond ordinary city buses.

The implementation of the expanded scheme, including the services covered and applicable eligibility conditions, will determine how beneficiaries can use the facility across Tamil Nadu.