Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched the expanded "Vetri Payanam" free bus travel scheme on October 2 at Koyambedu in Chennai.

The scheme covers 12,692 buses and benefits about 84 lakh women and transgender persons every day, making it one of the largest free-transit programmes in the country.

The expanded scheme now covers Express, LSS, Deluxe and Mofussil services beyond 40 km, extending free travel to longer routes that were previously excluded.

Vetri Payanam is a rebrand of the earlier DMK government's free bus scheme for women. The new administration has widened its scope and given it a new identity.

In related transport news, the Chennai Metro crossed 1 crore trips in September — the third straight month it has hit that milestone, reflecting the city's growing reliance on public transport.

Officials say the scheme aims to improve women's mobility and workforce participation. Free bus travel has been linked to higher employment among women in several studies.

The launch event at Koyambedu drew large crowds. The Chief Minister handed over symbolic passes to beneficiaries and flagged off new buses.

Transport economists will watch whether the expansion strains the state's transport finances or delivers the promised social gains.