In Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati and other cities, women were seen boarding buses, many expressing relief at the savings.
Published Aug 15, 2025 | 8:56 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 15, 2025 | 8:56 PM
The initiative, aimed at reducing the financial burden on families and improving mobility for women and transgender persons.
Synopsis: The Andhra Pradesh government on 15 August, rolled out the Stree Sakthi scheme, allowing women and transgender persons to travel free of cost on non-luxury state-run buses. The initiative, part of the TDP’s “Super Six” pre-poll promises, is expected to benefit lakhs of women daily and cost the state about ₹1,942 crore annually.
Women, girls and transgender persons in Andhra Pradesh could travel free of cost on APSRTC buses for the first time on Friday, 15 August, as the ruling Telugu Desam Party-led National Democratic Alliance government in the state rolled out another of its major “Super Six” pre-poll promises, Stree Sakthi.
The initiative, aimed at reducing the financial burden on families and improving mobility for women and transgender persons, permits free travel in Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) buses, excluding luxury and interstate services.
Beneficiaries only need to show valid identity proof to avail themselves of the facility.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced the scheme as part of the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, stressing that mobility is crucial for access to education, healthcare, and employment.
Officials said the scheme is expected to benefit lakhs of women every day.
APSRTC has deployed special teams to ensure smooth implementation and prevent misuse. Conductors have been instructed to issue zero-fare tickets to women passengers, while awareness posters have been displayed at major bus stands.
In Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati and other cities, women were seen boarding buses, many expressing relief at the savings.
The financial burden on the state government for providing free rides to women is estimated at about ₹1,942 crore per annum, according to Information and Public Relations Minister K Parthasarathi.
Transport department officials said the government will reimburse APSRTC for the expenditure incurred in sustaining the scheme, which they believe will encourage more beneficiaries to use public transport regularly.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
