Even as the newly elected United Democratic Front (UDF) government is preparing to launch free travel for women on KSRTC buses from June 15 under its ‘Five Indira Guarantees’ scheme, several commuters are of the view that fare-free transit alone is insufficient without addressing the lack of basic safety measures and better hygiene and sanitation at bus stations for women.

​Although KSRTC depots do provide toilets and resting areas for women, the services are rarely used due to poor maintenance. Unhygienic washrooms remain a problem, especially for women travelling long distances.

​According to Tanisha Kumareshan, a nutritionist and a former national table tennis player from Kozhikode, most toilets at bus stands are unhygienic and lack clean water. She also suggested that all KSRTC buses be equipped with functional CCTV cameras and proper surveillance systems to improve women’s safety. “During tournaments, I have had to travel alone on buses at night, which made me feel unsafe. Safety measures like these can make women feel more secure,” Ms. Kumareshan said.

Sunitha Jyothi Prakash, 55, a public relations officer from Kozhikode, said the KSRTC depot in Kozhikode is heavily congested and requires better infrastructure. “Despite multiple complaints in the past regarding its poor facilities, nothing has improved,” she alleged.

​“There is no airflow inside the building. The place feels suffocating,” said Aleena Siby, a student from Palakkad.

​“Resting areas designated for women are very rare at KSRTC stations. While travelling at night, I have found it inconvenient,” said S. Aishwarya, 26, a student from Wayanad. She added that the lack of proper waiting and resting areas makes late-night travel unsafe for female passengers.

​Apart from safety and sanitation, passengers also pointed out the absence of CCTV cameras both inside the buses and in waiting areas, as well as a low number of female conductors and security personnel.

​Shahma Shahin, 23, a frequent traveller from Kasaragod, said, “The authorities should focus more on infrastructure and building medical colleges. Free travel for older people and specially abled people would be better than simply giving freebies to all women.”

Ms. Shahin also pointed out that although the bus station has seating areas, the seats are mostly damaged.

​Women travellers also stressed the absence of facilities related to menstrual hygiene. “The Kannur bus station does not have any pad dispensers or disposal areas. It is a basic necessity for women,” said Muhsina, 24, from Kannur.