Vijay Announces 3 Free LPG Cylinders, Free Bus Travel for Transgender Persons in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay on Monday announced a fresh package of welfare measures in the Assembly, including three free LPG cylinders every year for low-income families, free government bus travel for transgender persons and an expansion of the state’s existing free travel scheme for women.

3 Free LPG Cylinders for Low-Income Families

Under the newly announced ‘Annapoorani Super Six’ scheme, families with an annual income below ₹2.5 lakh will be eligible to receive financial assistance covering the cost of three LPG cylinders each year.

The scheme is scheduled to begin from Pongal 2027 and is expected to benefit around 1.30 crore families across Tamil Nadu.

According to the announcement, eligible beneficiaries will receive the amount spent on the three LPG cylinders directly in their bank accounts after purchasing them.

The scheme is estimated to cost the Tamil Nadu government approximately ₹4,000 crore annually.

Vijay said the measure was being introduced amid rising cooking gas prices and supply-related concerns linked to the prevailing conflict in the Gulf region. He said the initiative would help reduce the financial burden on households.

Free Bus Travel for Transgender Persons

The Chief Minister also announced free travel on government buses for transgender persons as part of the new welfare measures.

The announcement comes alongside an expansion of the existing free bus travel programme for women in the state.

Women to Get Free Travel on More Bus Services

The government has expanded the ‘Vetri Payanam’ scheme to allow women to travel free on a wider range of government bus services.

Under the expanded programme, women will be able to use Express, LSS and Deluxe government buses without paying fares. The benefit will also cover eligible inter-district, suburban and hilly-area bus services.

Previously, the free travel facility was mainly available on ordinary and certain hilly-route buses, with restrictions applying to distance and specific categories of services.

The expanded scheme will come into effect from October 2, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

The Tamil Nadu government estimates that the expansion will result in an additional expenditure of around ₹6,000 crore per year.

Vijay said reducing transportation costs would help women access employment, education and other opportunities while supporting their economic independence.

Key Highlights

• 3 free LPG cylinders every year for eligible low-income families
• Eligibility for families earning below ₹2.5 lakh annually
• LPG scheme begins from Pongal 2027
• Around 1.30 crore families expected to benefit
• LPG scheme estimated cost: ₹4,000 crore annually
• Free government bus travel for transgender persons
• Expanded free bus travel for women
• Women to receive free travel on Express, LSS and Deluxe buses
• Expanded women’s travel scheme starts October 2
• Additional annual cost of women’s travel expansion: ₹6,000 crore