The Andhra Pradesh government is set to launch a free bus service for girls, women and transgender persons with domicile of the state under the ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme. The Principal Secretary of Transport, Roads & Buildings, Kantilal Dande, on Monday said that the scheme will be launched on August 15.
“Beneficiaries include all girls, women, and transgender persons with domicile status in Andhra Pradesh, subject to presenting valid identity proof,” Dande said.
The existing fleet of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) will be used in the scheme, and additional buses will be provided if the need arises. Free travel will apply only to Pallevelugu, Ultra Pallevelugu, City Ordinary, Metro Express, and Express services.
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What Stree Shakti Will Not Cover
The scheme will not cover non-stop services, interstate operations, contract carriages, chartered services, or package tours.
Saptagiri Express, Ultra Deluxe, Super Luxury, Star Liner, and all air-conditioned services will also not be covered under the free travel package.
The state government is considering the use of body-worn cameras and CCTV cameras in all buses.
Bus stations will also receive upgrades, including:
– Fans: To provide a comfortable waiting environment
– Chairs: For passengers to rest while waiting
– Drinking Water: Ensuring access to hydration
– Toilets: Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene
The government may also consider procuring electric buses and extending the scheme to them, pending Cabinet approval. This move aims to promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact.
Beneficiaries of the scheme will receive zero-fare tickets, which the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) will submit to the government for reimbursement.
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Free bus travel for women was a poll promise of the TDP-led NDA government ahead of the 2024 elections. The scheme is estimated to cost Rs 1,942 crore annually—about Rs 162 crore a month—and aims to empower women by improving access to education, jobs, and mobility, Minister K Parthasarathy had earlier said.