Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay is set to launch the expanded ‘Vetri Payanam’ free bus scheme for women on October 2, extending coverage to 12,692 buses.

The expanded scheme is expected to benefit 84.32 lakh women across the state, making it one of the largest free public transport programmes for women in the country.

The initiative aims to improve mobility for women, particularly students, workers and caregivers who depend on buses for daily travel. Transport economists say free bus travel can significantly raise women’s workforce participation.

The state transport department has been directed to ensure adequate bus availability on high-demand routes as the expanded scheme takes effect.

Women’s groups have welcomed the expansion, saying affordable transport is a key enabler of education and employment. The scheme’s earlier phase had already seen strong uptake.

Officials said the rollout will be monitored for crowding and service quality, with additional buses to be deployed where needed.