Declare ‘Vettri Payanam’ scheme unconstitutional, urges private bus operator before Madras High Court
A private bus operator from Erode claims that no-fare travel for women in government buses alone would cause a severe dent to their business and force them to shut down operations
Tirunelveli District Collector Anand Mohan inaugurated the 'Vettri Payanam Thittam' on October 2, 2026, extending the 'no fare travel' facility for women in mofussil buses. The scheme was launched at Vaeinthankulam new bus stand with the presence of Tirunelveli MP C. Robert Bruce and MLA Reddiyarpatti V. Narayanan. This extension benefits women travelling to workplaces in neighbouring towns and to Tirunelveli from Tenkasi, Nagercoil, and Thoothukudi.
In Tirunelveli Region, comprising Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, and Kanniyakumari districts, women can avail 'no fare travel' in 1,070 buses, including 813 city buses and 257 mofussil buses daily. The buses are equipped with digital displays, and bus crews have been instructed to treat women passengers respectfully. Violations will be treated seriously as this 'no fare travel' is a right, not a gift.
Shanthi, a teacher traveling from Thoothukudi to Tirunelveli, stated she would save ₹1,000 monthly for her family's vegetable expenses. Tenkasi District Collector Ranjeet Singh also inaugurated the scheme at Tenkasi new bus stand, distributing sweets to women passengers.
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