Kochi: Kerala’s Priyadarshini free bus travel scheme is not just helping women save money on daily travel. Financial experts say the amount saved every month can become a long-term investment worth up to ₹10 lakh if invested regularly.
The scheme gives women free bus travel across the state. While many see it as a transport benefit, experts believe it also creates an opportunity for women to build financial security.
India needs more women to join the workforce and become financially independent. However, many women still spend a large part of their income on household expenses, leaving very little for savings or investments. Free public transport reduces one major monthly expense and creates room for regular investing.
Save Travel Money, Build Wealth
A working woman usually spends between ₹1,000 and ₹4,000 every month on travel. Long-distance commuters often spend even more than ₹2,500 every month.
If that money is saved instead of spent on bus fares, it can become a valuable monthly investment.
For example, if a woman invests ₹1,000 every month in a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) for 20 years, and the investment earns an average annual return of 12%, the total value could grow to around ₹10 lakh through the power of compounding.
Women who save more because of longer daily travel can build an even larger investment corpus.
Post Office RD Offers a Safe Option
Women who prefer a low-risk investment can choose a Post Office Recurring Deposit (RD) scheme.
At the current interest rate of around 6.7%, investing ₹1,000 every month and renewing the five-year RD over a 20-year period could build savings of around ₹5 lakh.
Although the returns are lower than equity investments, the Post Office RD provides a safe and stable option.
Small Savings Can Make a Big Difference
Financial planners say the key is consistency. Instead of spending the money saved through free bus travel, women should invest it every month.
Even a small monthly investment can grow into a large fund over time because of compound growth. As income increases through salary hikes or promotions, women can also increase their monthly investment amount.
The Priyadarshini scheme therefore offers more than free travel. It gives women an opportunity to reduce expenses, increase savings, and work towards long-term financial independence.
Disclaimer
Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Past returns do not guarantee future performance. Investors should read all scheme documents carefully and seek advice from a qualified financial adviser before investing.