Published Oct 02, 2026 | 12:44 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 02, 2026 | 1:01 PM
CM Vijay launches Vettri Payanam scheme. (Supplied)
Synopsis: The expanded ‘Magalir Vettri Payanam’ scheme removes these restrictions and extends free travel to additional categories of government buses. Women can now travel free of cost on Express, LSS and Deluxe government buses operating in urban and municipal areas. For inter-district travel, women can use ordinary-fare Mofussil buses and ordinary buses operating in hilly areas without paying a fare.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay turned bus conductor on Friday, 2 October, to inaugurate the expanded free bus travel scheme for women, now named the ‘Magalir Vettri Payanam’ scheme.
The scheme was earlier known as the ‘Kalaignar Magalir Vidiyal Payanam’ scheme, introduced by the previous DMK government in 2021.
Under the earlier scheme, free travel was largely limited to ordinary government town buses, while Express, LSS, Deluxe and Mofussil services were excluded. In hill areas, the benefit was also subject to restrictions on the type and distance of bus services.
The expanded ‘Magalir Vettri Payanam’ scheme removes these restrictions and extends free travel to additional categories of government buses.
Women can now travel free of cost on Express, LSS and Deluxe government buses operating in urban and municipal areas.
For inter-district travel, women can use ordinary-fare Mofussil buses and ordinary buses operating in hilly areas without paying a fare.
Transgender persons will also be eligible for free travel under the scheme.
There will be no income ceiling for beneficiaries and no restriction on the number of trips they can undertake.
The scheme was announced by Chief Minister Vijay under Rule 110 of the Tamil Nadu Assembly. The government had decided to implement the expanded scheme from October 2, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
The state government estimates that the expanded scheme will involve an annual expenditure of approximately ₹6,000 crore.
Also Read: CM Vijay to launch ‘Vetri Payanam’ to expand free bus travel for women from 2 October
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Subash Chandra Bose)
