Tamil Nadu launches expanded Vettri Payanam free bus travel scheme for women and transgender persons

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister launched the expanded Vettri Payanam scheme on 2 October 2026 at Koyambedu, Chennai, extending fare-free bus travel for women and transgender persons. It builds on the Magalir Vidiyal Payanam scheme introduced in May 2021. Besides ordinary services, it now covers Express, Limited Stop Service, Deluxe, Mofussil Ordinary and Ghat Ordinary buses beyond 40 km; SETC buses are excluded. About 12,692 government buses, nearly 69% of scheduled buses run by seven State Transport Undertakings, are included. Electronic Ticketing Machines record free trips, with trial runs held on 27 September 2026.