KSRTC Introduces Women-only Pink Bus Night Service

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Thursday, 23 July 2026

In a major step towards improving women's safety in public transport, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has launched a pilot women-only Pink Bus night service in Thiruvananthapuram. Operating from Thursday, July 23, the new service is designed to give women of all professions, and in particular IT workers, healthcare professionals, and others, safer and more reliable late-night commute. The development is also part of the 100-day action plan of the United Democratic Front (UDF) government that will enable women to be mobile throughout the state capital.

The state-level launch of the Pink Bus night service of Kerala State Road Transport Corporation will be conducted in the presence of Kerala Transport Minister C P John at the Central Depot of KSRTC in Thiruvananthapuram. The initial route of the pilot service will be the Technopark route, linking some of the major destinations in the city, such as East Fort, Thampanoor, Pattom, Medical College, Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), Ulloor, Kazhakkoottam, Technopark, Infosys, Lulu Mall, and KIMS Hospital.

The introduction of the women-only Pink Bus comes as a response to the “safe and reliable public transport for women at night” need as per the Kerala government. The government's goal is to make public transport more accessible and user-friendly for women by providing a specific transport system.

Key Highlights

• KSRTC launches women-only Pink Bus for safer night-time commuting
• Pilot route connects Technopark, hospitals, railway station and business hubs
• Online reservations and electric buses planned for future expansion

“The move was also spurred by a representation from an organisation representing IT professionals, Prathidhwani, that wanted better facilities for public transport at night for those working night shifts”, said Transport Minister C P John.

KSRTC has launched its new speedy passenger buses from the Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam depots for the pilot project. The corporation will carefully evaluate the reception, efficiency and demand for passengers from this service before expanding to other routes within the state. The pilot is likely to give some good inputs for the feasibility of introducing similar dedicated service in other urban centres at Kerala.

The minister stated that the ministerate is considering implementing new facilities such as online reservation systems and electric vehicles in the long run to promote convenience for passengers, optimize the use of resources, and boost revenue. These proposed additions aim to make the service more accessible, and align with Kerala's broader vision of sustainable and technologized public transportation.

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Pink Bus night service is a big step towards a safer and inclusive public transit system in the state. The bus, which is specifically built to handle all-women passengers. The dedicated service reflects the state's commitment to creating a more inclusive public transport network while addressing the evolving travel needs of women who commute during late hours.

With operations starting on one of the busiest corridors in Thiruvananthapuram, the Kerala government will assess the service and feedback from passengers before expanding it. With a successful launch, the women-only Pink Bus service could expand to other major cities and routes in Kerala, serving as a model for gender-inclusive public transport and a commitment to safer mobility for women.