Kerala Transport Minister C P John announced that the UDF government's 'Priyadarshini' scheme, offering free travel for women on KSRTC ordinary buses, has reduced the state-run transport corporation's carbon output. According to the minister, carbon emissions dropped from 504 kg to 404 kg per 1,000 passengers in the first month of the scheme, a decrease of roughly 20 percent. The scheme also saw daily women commuters more than double from around 5-6 lakh to 12.71 lakh, with women now making up 66 percent of passengers. The scheme, launched on June 15, recorded 3.81 crore free travels in its first month. John credited media support for the scheme's success and noted that KSRTC has become cleaner as a result. The minister also reported a 30 to 48 percent increase in passengers traveling to hill stations like Malakkappara and Gavi, suggesting a positive impact on tourism. The government plans further studies to quantify the scheme's effect on women's revenue and overall economic benefits.
