TDP-led Andhra govt launches 'Stree Shakti' free bus travel scheme for women on Independence Day

Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh on Friday launched the Stree Shakti scheme in which women will be able to travel for free in APSRTC buses.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu formally launched the scheme at PN Bus Station, Vijayawada, in the presence of NDA leaders.

The scheme allows free travel for women in five categories of buses across the state like Pallevelugu, Ultra Pallevelugu, City Ordinary, Express, and Metro Express. The Transport Department and APSRTC have made all necessary arrangements, including the software support to issue zero-fare tickets to women passengers.

Around 2.62 crore women in the state will benefit from this scheme. Out of the total 11,449 buses under APSRTC, 74% will be open for free travel for women. The government has also extended the scheme’s benefit to transgender persons. The Stree Shakti scheme will help women save significantly on travel costs. Government estimates show that women travel, on average, four times a week by bus, while working women travel daily.

This costs each woman approximately Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000 per month. The scheme will cost the state government approximately Rs 1,942 crore annually, which will be reimbursed to APSRTC.

At the scheme launch, IT minister Nara Lokesh said women are advancing in every field whether it is earning a bachelor’s degree or travelling into space, it is women leading the way. NTR was credited with establishing a special university for women and Chandrababu Naidu is credited with empowering women and encouraging them in all spheres. Many government schemes are being implemented in the name of women in Andhra Pradesh.

“If women are given the opportunity, they can create miracles. Women are also excelling in business even in my family, my mother Bhuvaneswari and my wife Brahmani are successful entrepreneurs. Everyone must condemn comments that demean women. There should be no obscene remarks about women in films or web series. A special law should be brought in to curb obscene comments against women. All women are happy about the Sthree Shakti free bus travel scheme. This scheme will reduce the monthly financial burden of each woman by Rs 1,500. A person who does not respect his own mother and sister — can such a person do justice to other women? The continuity of the government is essential for the state’s development,” he said.

Free bus scheme for women was one of the key promises under Super Six made by the TDP before the 2024 polls.