Chennai, July 6: The Tamil Nadu government is reviewing plans to expand its free bus travel scheme for women, with an estimated 28 lakh additional beneficiaries expected to be included if the proposed extension is implemented.
The initiative, which currently provides free travel for women across state-run buses, is being assessed for broader coverage to enhance mobility, improve access to employment and education, and reduce household transportation costs.
Officials stated that the proposed expansion aims to further strengthen social welfare measures by improving public transport accessibility for women, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. The move is also expected to support greater workforce participation by easing daily commuting challenges.
The scheme has already been widely utilised across the state, and the potential expansion is seen as a continuation of the government’s efforts to promote inclusive development and gender-responsive welfare policies.
Government sources indicated that detailed feasibility assessments and administrative consultations are underway, with a final decision expected after review.
If approved, the expansion would mark a significant increase in the scheme’s reach, reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s focus on equitable public transport access.
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