SchemesFriday, 2 October 2026·Hindu Tamil Thisai
Tamil Nadu expands free women bus travel to long-distance services under Vetri Payanam on Gandhi Jayanthi 2026
On 2 October 2026, Tamil Nadu launched the expanded Vetri Payanam scheme from Koyambedu, extending free bus travel for women and transgender persons to more categories of government buses.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On 2 October 2026, Chief Minister Vijay launched the expanded ‘Vetri Payanam’ scheme at Koyambedu bus terminus in Chennai, extending free travel for women and transgender persons to long-distance and other government bus services in Tamil Nadu.
Key specifics
- The launch was held on Gandhi Jayanthi, 2 October 2026, at Koyambedu in Chennai.
- The scheme covers 12,692 buses operated by 7 transport corporations.
- According to the Transport Department, 84.32 lakh women and transgender persons are expected to benefit daily.
- Free travel now includes ordinary, express, LSS and deluxe government buses in urban areas.
- The scheme was announced under Rule 110 in the Assembly and expanded as a social welfare measure.
Exam lens
TNPSC scheme-based question, launch date, place, number of buses, daily beneficiaries, and bus categories are the key facts; a likely one-liner is: “Which Tamil Nadu scheme was expanded on Gandhi Jayanthi 2026 to allow free travel for women in long-distance government buses?”