Free Bus travel scheme nears 900 Crore trips in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu’s flagship free bus travel scheme, Vidiyal Payanam , has recorded nearly 898 crore passenger trips since its launch in 2021 , with Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Sunday hailing it as a transformative welfare measure while critics point to its growing burden on the state exchequer.

Describing the initiative as a cornerstone of the state’s “Dravidian Model” of governance, Stalin said the scheme has enabled safe and independent travel for women and has witnessed consistent growth in usage. Official data shows that annual trips have risen from about 95.86 crore in 2021–22 to over 235 crore in 2025–26, taking the cumulative total to 897.82 crore journeys. The scheme, which also extends benefits to transgender persons and persons with disabilities, currently operates through a fleet of 7,712 buses.

While the government has projected the scheme as a major social intervention, it entails a substantial fiscal commitment. The state compensates transport corporations for revenue losses incurred due to free travel, with estimates placing the annual expenditure between ₹2,500 crore and ₹3,500 crore, depending on ridership levels. The rising number of beneficiaries has led to a corresponding increase in subsidy outgo, adding pressure on public finances.

The scheme has been credited with easing the financial burden on women, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, by reducing daily commuting costs and improving access to employment, education and healthcare . Increased mobility has also been seen as a factor contributing to greater workforce participation and social inclusion. Analysts note that the high utilisation levels indicate genuine demand and reflect the scheme’s relevance in addressing mobility constraints.

However, concerns persist over its long-term sustainability. Tamil Nadu’s state-run transport undertakings, many of which are already operating under financial stress, depend on timely reimbursements from the government to offset losses. Any delays or funding gaps could exacerbate their debt burden and affect operational efficiency.

There are also apprehensions about service quality, as the surge in ridership has not always been matched by a proportional expansion of fleet capacity. Overcrowding, wear and tear of buses, and maintenance challenges have been flagged as emerging issues in some regions.