Kerala KSRTC Launches Women-Only ‘Pink Bus’ Night Service for Safer Travel

Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is set to launch a pilot women-only ‘Pink Bus’ night service from Thursday, aimed at providing safer and more reliable late-night public transport for women across the state.

The state-level launch will be held at the KSRTC Central Depot in Thiruvananthapuram as part of the UDF government's 100-day action plan, Transport Minister C P John said in a statement.

The pilot service will initially operate along the Technopark route, connecting several key locations, including East Fort, Thampanoor, Pattom, Medical College, RCC, Ulloor, Kazhakkoottam, Technopark, Infosys, Lulu Mall and KIMS Hospital.

The service is expected to benefit women travelling at night, particularly IT professionals returning from late shifts, hospital staff, patients and train passengers arriving at Thampanoor, as well as women returning home after late-night outings.

According to the minister, the initiative was also prompted by a representation from Prathidhwani, which had sought improved late-night public transport facilities for IT professionals working night shifts.

For the pilot project, KSRTC has allocated its latest fast passenger buses from the Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam depots. The corporation is also exploring the introduction of online reservations and electric buses in the future, with the aim of improving passenger convenience and increasing revenue.

The launch of the Pink Bus service marks an effort by the Kerala government and KSRTC to strengthen women's safety and mobility during late-night hours, particularly along busy urban and technology corridors.