Tensions flared at the Kottarakara KSRTC bus stand on Friday as Mahila Morcha workers staged a unique protest inside a Karunagappally-bound bus, demanding the immediate implementation of the government’s election promise of free bus travel for women. The agitation was launched on May 15, the precise date the newly elected UDF government had promised the scheme would take effect across the State. Protesters alleged that while neighbouring States have successfully implemented free transit for women, the project remains entangled in red tape in Kerala.
The demonstration quickly turned dramatic when the activists boarded the stationary vehicle and demanded free tickets. The female conductor on duty expressed helplessness, pointing out that the electronic ticketing machines could not process zero-fare tickets without an official government order from the higher management. The situation evolved into a mini public forum inside the bus as several ordinary women passengers began voicing their support for the protesters, questioning whether the ruling front had forgotten its core campaign guarantees amidst ongoing internal tussles over ministerial portfolios.
KSRTC officials and the bus crew maintained a firm legal stance, reiterating that operating the service without valid tickets or an official department circular was impossible. Following a prolonged standoff and an assurance from the authorities that the scheme would be rolled out the moment a formal government order is issued, the Mahila Morcha workers agreed to disembark.
The protest leaders warned that the agitation will be intensified across the State in the coming days if the electoral promise turned out to be mere promise. Ordinary commuters, meanwhile, remain anxious to see when the high-profile welfare scheme will finally become a reality. The protest was led by Mahila Morcha east district president Rekha Rajendran, Chithara mandalam president Lakshmi Prasad, Yuva Morcha district vice-president Gauri, and mandalam presidents Sabitha, Seema, and Ushakumari.