Kerala to launch Rs 10 sanitary‑napkin vending machines at KSRTC terminals

What Happened

Kerala will roll out Rs 10 sanitary‑napkin vending machines at public spots, beginning with 14 KSRTC terminals and depots. The Women and Child Development Department launched the scheme, called WOMN – Women on the Move & Menstrual Needs, on Tuesday as part of the state’s 100‑day action programme. Each machine will dispense a packet of three napkins for Rs 10. Incinerators will be installed alongside the machines to destroy used pads on site. Minister Bindu Krishna of Women and Child Development will inaugurate the first unit at Thampanoor KSRTC Bus Terminal in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday. The department said the service will help women and girls travel with dignity and reduce the cost of buying pads. After the pilot, machines are planned for major tourist destinations, other KSRTC terminals, depots and additional public places across Kerala.

Context

The initiative targets menstrual‑hygiene gaps for commuters, a problem noted in many Indian states. Providing low‑cost pads at transit hubs also tackles disposal challenges by pairing vending machines with incinerators.