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Private bus operators in Kerala have approached the Competition Commission of India (CCI) challenging the State government’s implementation of the Priyadarshini scheme, under which women and transgender persons are permitted to travel free of cost on KSRTC buses.

In the petition, Bipin T Alapat, a private stage-carriage operator from Thrissur, submitted that the scheme has resulted in a drastic decline in passenger occupancy and revenue for private operators, rendering several services financially unviable. More than 750 private bus operators have reportedly discontinued their services, while those continuing to operate are facing severe financial distress despite having to meet all statutory and operational liabilities.

The petitioner pointed out that no corresponding reimbursement, subsidy or financial assistance has been extended to private stage-carriage operators, even though they provide identical passenger transport services on the same routes under valid permits.

According to the petition, the exclusive implementation of the scheme through KSRTC has provided the State-run corporation with a significant, state-funded competitive advantage, resulting in large-scale diversion of passengers from private operators.

Official data cited in the petition show that the number of women passengers travelling on KSRTC buses increased from 5.5 lakh to 12.7 lakh per day following the introduction of the scheme, with women accounting for nearly 66 per cent of KSRTC’s daily ridership.

The complainant alleged that the scheme has imposed unfair and discriminatory conditions in the provision of passenger transport services, substantially restricted competition and effectively denied market access to private stage-carriage operators.

The complainant has sought the intervention of the CCI to inquire into the alleged anti-competitive conduct of the respondents, including KSRTC, and to direct them to cease and desist from implementing the scheme in its present form. It has also sought appropriate directions to modify the scheme in consultation with all stakeholders so as to restore a level playing field and ensure fair competition in the relevant market.

Published on August 12, 2026

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