Kerala launches women-only Pink Bus pilot across Thiruvananthapuram

Kerala's KSRTC will launch a women-only Pink Bus night service in Thiruvananthapuram on July 23 as a pilot, under the state's 100-day action plan. The initial routes will link major hubs including East Fort, Thampanoor, Pattom, Medical College, RCC, Ulloor, Kazhakuttam, Technopark, Infosys, Lulu Mall and KIMS Hospital, with a focus on late-night safety for IT professionals, hospital staff, and other female commuters. The service, prompted by requests from the IT workers’ group Prathidhwani, aims to address safety concerns for women working night shifts and those traveling after dark. It will deploy modern Link Fast buses, with plans for online reservations and potential electric buses in the future, and may expand to include early morning runs. Transport Minister C. P. John will inaugurate the phase, which features a structured schedule including multiple trips and a Thiruvananthapuram–Technopark corridor, with expansion contingent on passenger response. The pink-bus initiative is part of the Kerala government's 100-day plan to improve women’s mobility and safety across public transport.