Is the free 'Victory Travel' scheme hurting private buses? A field inquiry

After the TVK came to power in the Tamil Nadu assembly election held in April 2026, it introduced a new scheme called 'Vetri Payanam' (Victory Travel). Before that, the previous government, in line with its election promise, had allowed women to travel free only on city buses; fares were charged on the lower-tier deluxe buses, and on outstation buses both women and men paid fares.

Under the Vetri Payanam scheme, a woman or a transgender person can travel free for up to 80 kilometres. Beyond that, travelling even five kilometres more on the same bus requires paying the fare. The scheme is not permitted on government air-conditioned buses or on State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) buses.

From urban areas, women can also travel free to other outstation destinations within 80 kilometres. Women who are unsure how far a particular town lies can identify free travel by the 'Vetri Payanam' sticker displayed on buses.

Reports have emerged that private buses operating between nearby towns have been severely affected by the scheme. As women shift to free government buses, the revenue of private bus owners running short-distance routes is said to have suffered.

To establish the ground reality, journalists have carried out a field inquiry. A detailed report covering passengers' experiences, the position of private bus owners and the state transport department's explanation is expected soon.