Over 12 Lakh Women Travel Free In Andhra Pradesh Under Stree Shakti Scheme

The Stree Shakti scheme, which offers free travel on RTC buses for women, launched on Friday by the coalition government, has met with a resounding response, with over 12 lakh women passengers travelling within 30 hours. Sources report an overwhelming response from across the state to the free bus travel for women, one of the key promises under the high-profile Super Six.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu monitored the scheme’s rollout from time to time and directed officials accordingly. Women saved up to Rs five crore by using the free RTC travel on the first day of the scheme.

Following requests from female commuters, the Chief Minister instructed officials to permit free travel for women on buses operating on ghat roads. Initially, RTC management did not allow free travel on such routes due to concerns about overloading.

However, after the Chief Minister’s guidance, RTC extended the free ride to women on ghat-road services.

With the prospect of more women, including employees, travelling on RTC buses from Monday (August 18), officials were told to make preparations. In addition to Aadhaar cards, the government will recognise other identity documents proving a woman’s locality for free travel.

Soft copies of Aadhaar may be accepted

Alongside original Aadhaar cards and colour copies, the government is weighing the possibility of accepting Aadhaar soft copies on mobile devices.

APSRTC staff have been actively raising awareness about the Stree Shakti scheme among travellers and issuing tickets at zero fare. Women across the state have expressed immense delight and gratitude, hailing the scheme as a life-changing step. Many have thanked the coalition government for prioritising their welfare and delivering on promises.

The Stree Shakti Free Bus Scheme is not merely a welfare measure but a transformative move to empower women and transgender communities by ensuring safe, accessible, and cost-free mobility across Andhra Pradesh.