▪ Amaravati

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu travelled in a Palle Velugu bus along with women beneficiaries of the Stree Shakti scheme as part of the programme marking one year of the initiative. He travelled from the Independence Day celebrations venue at the Parade Grounds to his camp office, interacting with the beneficiaries and seeking direct feedback on the impact of free bus travel on their daily lives and economic empowerment.

The free travel facility for women in APSRTC services has received an overwhelming response, with more than 24 lakh women reportedly availing themselves of the facility every day. During the journey, several women shared their experiences with the Chief Minister and explained how the scheme had reduced their travel expenses and helped them participate more actively in education, employment and business activities.

Fisherwoman Maila Veera Veni from Kakinada said she was saving around Rs. 4,000 every month because of the free travel facility. During the interaction, she also spoke about her health, prompting the Chief Minister to enquire about her well-being and emphasise the importance of maintaining healthy habits.

Shaik Tabasum from Nandyal said the Stree Shakti scheme was helping her save around Rs. 1,500 every month. She also informed the Chief Minister that her family was benefiting from four government schemes. B.Sc student P. Harshita from Anakapalli said the scheme was particularly useful for students by making travel more accessible and affordable.

Handloom weaver Baddela Suseela from Anantapur district explained how free bus travel was helping her procure raw materials and market her handwoven sarees at different shops. She said that earlier her husband was primarily responsible for travelling outside the home for business, whereas the scheme had enabled her to travel independently, participate in business activities and contribute to expanding the family enterprise.

She added that the Nethanna Sevalo scheme, along with Stree Shakti, was helping her family increase its income.

The experiences shared by the beneficiaries highlighted the role of affordable and accessible public transport in improving women’s economic participation and empowerment. The Stree Shakti scheme is currently being implemented in 7,631 APSRTC buses, covering around 76 per cent of the corporation’s fleet.

The government is providing a subsidy of approximately Rs. 8.53 crore every day for the scheme, with the total expenditure so far reaching around Rs. 3,095 crore. Following the introduction of Stree Shakti, the proportion of women passengers in RTC services has increased to 62 per cent. Officials also reported a decline in accidents, attributing it partly to women reducing their dependence on unauthorised transport vehicles.

During his interaction with the beneficiaries, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu advised women to make effective use of various government welfare and support schemes to increase their earnings, strengthen their livelihoods and achieve greater economic independence.