TN CM flags off pink free buses for women on 5 major routes in Chennai

• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin launched pink-coloured special free buses for women on five major routes in Chennai.
• The initiative is part of the Vidiyal Payanam scheme, which began in May 2021 to provide free travel for women.
• Ten buses have been deployed in the first phase, with two buses allocated per route, including Vallalar Nagar to Ennore and Broadway to Perumbakkam.
• These buses are operated by women conductors wearing special pink uniforms, promoting gender inclusion.
• The zero-cost bus travel scheme has significantly increased female ridership from 40% to 61%, saving women an average of Rs 800 per month.

Why It Matters: Tamil Nadu launches pink free buses for women, boosting ridership and savings under the Vidiyal Payanam scheme.