Vijayawada, Aug 15 (NationPress) On Independence Day, the Andhra Pradesh government introduced Stree Shakti, a revolutionary initiative aimed at providing free bus travel for women on state-owned APSRTC buses.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Minister for Human Resources and IT Nara Lokesh, inaugurated this significant scheme.

The leaders took a bus ride from Undavalli to Pandit Nehru Bus Stand in Vijayawada, issuing zero-fare tickets to women passengers. They engaged with the women to understand how this scheme would benefit them.

The public reception was warm, as women welcomed the Chief Minister and his associates at various bus stops.

In their respective areas, ministers, MPs, and MLAs from the ruling coalition also launched the initiative.

During the main event in Vijayawada, the Chief Minister and his team addressed a public gathering.

Chandrababu Naidu expressed his thoughts on the social media platform ‘X’, stating, “The progress of a community is measured by the advancement of its women. These profound words from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar guide our aspirations for Andhra Pradesh’s bright future.”

“This Independence Day, we celebrate Stree Shakti, the true strength of our state. The Stree Shakti free bus travel scheme empowers women across AP to pursue education, employment, and opportunities for growth with confidence. Together, we embark on a journey towards our collective vision of Swarna Andhra,” he remarked.

Naidu shared his satisfaction, noting that fulfilling this major promise to women was a key commitment of the Super Six agenda during elections. “Free bus travel is a gift I am giving to women as a brother,” he emphasized.

The scheme is projected to benefit 2.62 crore women throughout the state, with the government planning to invest Rs.162 crore monthly and Rs.1,942 crore annually into this initiative.

Eligible women can travel for free on any of the Pallevelugu, Ultra Pallevelugu, City Ordinary, Express, and Metro Express buses of APSRTC.

Out of 11,449 buses, women can avail free travel on 8,458 buses. The benefits have also been extended to transgender individuals.

This scheme marks the TDP-led coalition’s fulfillment of another promise made under the Super Six initiative.

The Stree Shakti scheme is set to significantly reduce travel expenses for women, with government estimates indicating that women typically travel by bus four times a week, costing between Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 3,000 monthly.

To utilize this benefit, passengers must be residents of Andhra Pradesh and present valid ID proof such as Voter ID, Aadhaar, Ration Card, or Driving License to the conductors. The scheme does not extend to Non-Stop, Super Luxury, AC buses, or services on ghat roads.

Implementation of this initiative is expected to cost Rs. 162 crores per month, benefiting approximately 26.95 lakh people daily.

In a state population of 5.25 crore, 2.62 crore women will be eligible for free travel under this scheme, which allows women, girls, and transgenders within the state to travel without charge.

The scheme excludes non-stop interstate bus services, contract carriage services, chartered services, and package tours.