KSRTC staff will face action if free tickets are issued to men on Priyadarshini buses, says Kerala Transport Minister C.P. John

Kerala Transport Minister C.P. John has warned of strict disciplinary action against the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) employees found issuing free tickets to men travelling on Priyadarshini buses, saying the concession is exclusively meant for women under a government welfare scheme.

Speaking to reporters at the Payambalam Guest House in Kannur on Sunday (July 26, 2026), the Minister said such instances had been reported in many placeswhen the scheme was launched, including at Thampanoor in Thiruvananthpuram.“Such violations will not be allowed to continue. Strict action will be taken against employees who issue free tickets to men,” he said.

Mr. John stressed that the Priyadarshini free travel scheme was not a KSRTC initiative, but a government programme aimed at women empowerment, and therefore must be implemented strictly in accordance with the rules.The Minister also said the KSRTC has decided to hire private buses during festival seasons to meet the increased travel demand.

He noted that the corporation had not purchased new buses over the past 10 years, leaving much of its fleet outdated. He appealed to private bus owners to cooperate by making the buses available during peak seasons.On Regional Transport Office (RTO) services, Mr.

John said discussion with officials had led to a decision to extend public access hours. At present, many offices do not entertain visitors after 1 p.m.

Under the revised arrangement, members of the public will be able to meet officials between 4p.m. and 5 p.

m. in addition to the usual timings. He said the move would particularly benefit people travelling long distances to avail the RTO services.

Published - July 26, 2026 05:29 pm IST Read Comments Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit READ LATER SEE ALL Remove