TNLA.PR.No: 14 Date: 24.08.2026 Announcement by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Thiru S. Joseph Vijay in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly under Rule 110 Regarding the 'Vetri Payanam' Scheme as part of the 'Vetri Thamizhagam' Vision Plan Hon'ble Speaker, Women's travel freedom is foundational to their economic emancipation and family advancement. Under the existing free travel scheme, travel is restricted to ordinary town buses up to 40 km, excluding Express, LSS, Deluxe, and Mofussil buses. The government has decided to launch the expanded 'Vetri Payanam' scheme on October 2, Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary. Key Highlights: 1. Women can travel free of charge not only in ordinary town buses, but also in Express, LSS, and Deluxe government buses operating in urban and corporation areas. 2. In inter-district and mofussil ordinary buses, as well as hilly terrains, women can travel free of charge. 3. Transgender persons can also avail of free travel under this scheme. 4. No income ceiling or journey count restrictions will apply. This initiative will cost the state exchequer approximately Rs. 6,000 crore annually. •••••••• Issued By: - DIPR, Secretariat, Chennai – 9