Ticket to Dignity: Tirupati Rolls Out Free Bus Travel for Women Under ‘Stree Shakti’ Scheme

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In a landmark move aimed at empowering women and enhancing mobility, the Andhra Pradesh government officially launched its flagship ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme in Tirupati, offering free bus travel to women across the state. The initiative, part of the ruling coalition’s pre-election promises, is being hailed as a transformative step toward gender-inclusive public transport and economic relief for millions.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the scheme’s launch, its operational details, and the broader impact it’s expected to have.

1. Launch highlights and ceremonial rollout

- The scheme was inaugurated in Tirupati on Friday evening by Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy
- The first zero-fare ticket was ceremonially handed over to Tirupati Municipal Corporation Commissioner N Mourya
- The event was attended by key dignitaries including Tirupati MLA Arani Srinivasulu, MLC Balli Kalyan Chakravarthi, TUDA Chairman C Divakar Reddy, and Deputy Mayor RC Muni Krishna
- The launch coincided with Independence Day celebrations, reinforcing the theme of freedom and mobility for women

2. Scheme coverage and eligibility

- Women, girls, and transgender persons with Andhra Pradesh domicile status are eligible for free travel
- Beneficiaries must present a valid government-issued photo ID such as Aadhaar, voter ID, or ration card
- The scheme applies to five categories of APSRTC buses: Palle Velugu, Ultra Palle Velugu, Express, Metro Express, and City Ordinary
- Travel is permitted anywhere within the district and across the state, excluding interstate, chartered, and package tour services
- Buses under the scheme are marked with special signage and feature yellow-colored reserved seats for women

3. Operational scale and expected impact

- Tirupati district operates 356 buses across 136 routes through 11 depots
- On average, 41,000 passengers travel daily by bus in the district; the scheme is expected to add 30,000 women riders per day
- The district-level savings for women are projected at Rs 82.71 crore annually, or approximately Rs 1,050 per month per beneficiary
- Statewide, 74 percent of APSRTC’s 11,449 buses are covered under the scheme
- An estimated 2.62 crore women across Andhra Pradesh are expected to benefit
- The government anticipates a monthly expenditure of Rs 162 crore, totaling Rs 1,942 crore annually

4. Broader goals and social significance

- The scheme is part of the NDA government’s ‘Super Six’ welfare promises, which include financial aid, education support, and employment incentives
- Officials describe ‘Stree Shakti’ as a boon for women, improving access to education, healthcare, jobs, and social services
- By removing the financial barrier to travel, the initiative aims to boost women’s participation in public life and economic activity
- The scheme also enhances safety and convenience, especially for rural women commuting to urban centers

5. Public response and political context

- The launch was met with enthusiastic support from local communities and women’s groups
- Opposition parties had previously criticized the feasibility of the scheme, but the government emphasized its commitment to fulfilling promises
- Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan have personally endorsed the scheme, even traveling with women passengers during the launch in Vijayawada
- The initiative is being positioned as a symbol of inclusive governance and gender-sensitive policy-making

As Tirupati leads the way in implementing ‘Stree Shakti’, the scheme is poised to redefine public transport norms and set a precedent for other states. With economic relief, enhanced mobility, and symbolic empowerment rolled into one, Andhra Pradesh’s women now have a ticket to ride—free, safe, and full of promise.

Sources: The Hans India, Deccan Chronicle, The Hindu Business Line, MSN India, The Daily Jagran, APTeachers.in