The initiative, aimed at empowering women and transgender individuals, will allow them to travel free of cost on various categories of buses operated by the APSRTC.
Published Aug 05, 2025 | 12:19 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 05, 2025 | 12:23 PM
An APSRTC bus crossing Tirumala ghat road. (iStock)
Synopsis: The TDP-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh is set to launch a free bus travel scheme for women and transgender individuals across the state starting 15 August 2025. A minister said that the government studied similar schemes in other states before finalising the scheme for implementation in Andhra Pradesh.
Women and transgender persons in Andhra Pradesh can look forward to greater mobility starting this Independence Day. Fulfilling one of its “Super Six” election promises, the TD-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh is set to launch a free bus travel scheme for women and transgender individuals across the state starting 15 August 2025.
The government will place the documents of the scheme before the cabinet on 6 August, for official approval, said Andhra Pradesh Transport, Youth, and Sports Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy at a news conference at the state secretariat in Amaravati on Monday, 4 August.
The initiative, aimed at empowering women and transgender individuals, will allow them to travel free of cost on various categories of buses operated by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC).
These include Pallevelugu, Ultra Pallevelugu, City Ordinary, Express, and Metro Express buses. To avail this benefit, passengers will have to present valid identification documents such as Aadhaar, voter ID, or ration cards as proof of residency in Andhra Pradesh.
The government said the scheme will be implemented seamlessly, as it has already been reviewed thoroughly. Its idea is to ensure that there will be no initial hiccups in the implementation of the scheme for women and transgender individuals.
The minister said that the government studied similar schemes in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana before finalising the scheme for implementation in Andhra Pradesh. A team of three ministers visited these states, analysed their implementation, and submitted a comprehensive report to the government.
The free travel initiative will cover approximately 74 percent of APSRTC’s fleet, equating to around 6,700 buses, ensuring widespread access across the state. The minister revealed that the scheme is expected to cost the state exchequer approximately ₹1,950 crore annually.
To support the anticipated increase in demand, the government has initiated steps to procure 3,000 electric buses this year, with plans to acquire an additional 1,400 electric buses over the next two years. Furthermore, the recruitment of additional drivers and mechanics will be undertaken to meet operational needs.
The scheme is expected to benefit women and transgender individuals by providing them with affordable and accessible transportation, thereby promoting economic and social empowerment, the minister said.
As Andhra Pradesh prepares to roll out this initiative, all eyes will be on its execution and impact.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
