Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Announces 3 Free LPG Cylinders, Expanded Free Bus Travel

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has announced two major welfare measures in the state Assembly, offering financial relief to low-income families through free LPG cylinders and expanding free bus travel for women and transgender persons.

Under the Annapoorani Super Six scheme, eligible families with an annual income of up to ₹2.5 lakh will receive the cost of three LPG cylinders every year. The reimbursement will be transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The scheme is expected to benefit around 1.30 crore families and cost the state approximately ₹4,000 crore annually.

The LPG assistance will initially provide three free cylinders a year, despite the scheme being known as Annapoorani Super Six. The government has cited rising cooking-gas costs and supply concerns as factors behind the decision.

Free Bus Travel Expanded

Vijay also announced the expansion of the Vettri Payanam scheme, under which women will be able to travel free on a wider range of government buses across Tamil Nadu from October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti.

The expanded facility will cover Express, Limited Stop Service and Deluxe government buses in metropolitan and urban areas, as well as ordinary-fare buses operating in mofussil and hilly areas. There will be no income ceiling or limit on the number of journeys. Transgender persons will also be eligible for the free travel facility.

The expanded bus travel scheme is estimated to cost the state government around ₹6,000 crore annually. The government expects the initiative to reduce travel expenses and improve access to public transport for women and transgender passengers across the state.

Together, the two announcements mark a major welfare push aimed at reducing household expenses and improving mobility for beneficiaries across Tamil Nadu.