Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Announces Free LPG Scheme, Expands Free Bus Travel For Women

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced major welfare measures for women, households and public transport in a suo motu statement in the Legislative Assembly on August 24, 2026.

The policy updates include expanding the 'Vettri Payanam' free bus travel scheme and launching the 'Annapoorani Super 6' free LPG cylinder programme.

The administration will expand bus travel on Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, 2026. The new cooking gas distribution scheme will commence during the Pongal festival in January 2027.

Vettri Payanam Scheme Expanded

The state government expanded the transport scheme. Previously named 'Vidiyal Payanam', the initiative was restricted to ordinary buses in cities and municipal areas and up to 40 km in hill areas.

The upgraded 'Vettri Payanam' programme now allows free travel on Express, Limited Stop Service and Deluxe government buses in metropolitan and urban centres. The expanded benefit also covers ordinary buses operating in mofussil and hilly areas. Beneficiaries will face no limit on the number of trips they can make.

"There is no income ceiling or other restriction to avail of the scheme. This will enable girl students to travel to colleges in faraway places and women to travel across the State. Transgender persons can also make use of the scheme," Vijay said.

The expanded transport initiative is estimated to cost the state government approximately Rs 6,000 crore annually.

Annapoorani Super 6 Launch

The government launched 'Annapoorani Super 6'. This new programme will provide three free LPG cylinders annually to female heads of eligible households.

The scheme allocates around Rs 4,000 crore annually. Direct Benefit Transfer will benefit more than 1.30 crore eligible families across the state.

Eligibility is strictly limited to households with an annual income up to Rs 2.5 lakh. Economically weaker sections, small and marginal farmers and families of differently-abled persons also qualify for the benefit.

Beneficiaries must purchase the cylinders first. The government will reimburse the cost directly into the bank accounts of female household heads, relying on official billing data from oil marketing companies.

Vijay cited global supply disruptions and Gulf conflicts as economic drivers for the policy.

"Considering this, even in a situation of financial constraint, our government has decided to provide the amount spent on gas cylinders to the public, aiming to reduce their financial burden, protect their welfare, and fulfil the promise made to them," Vijay said, according to ANI.

Welfare Initiatives For Women

Budgetary allocations have been formalised under the state's 'Vetri Vision Document'. This financial commitment aims to directly support women's safety, social progress and livelihood security.

Specific targeted initiatives highlighted by the Chief Minister include the 'Singa Pen' special task force, 'Thaimaman Thangamothiram', 'Vetri Magalir Adugal Valarppu' and 'Annanin Seer' schemes.