Girls, women, and transgender individuals in Andhra Pradesh will receive free bus travel from August 15th onwards.
In a significant move towards women's empowerment, the Stree Shakti scheme was launched in Andhra Pradesh on August 15, 2025. The initiative, spearheaded by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, aims to provide free statewide bus travel for approximately 2.62 crore women and transgender persons holding Andhra Pradesh domicile status.
The scheme covers key Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) bus services, including Pallevelugu, Ultra Pallevelugu, City Ordinary, Metro Express, and Express buses. However, it does not extend to non-stop services, interstate operations, contract carriage, chartered, package tours, or all AC buses such as Ultra Deluxe, Super Luxury, Star Liner, and Saptagiri Express.
On its first day, over 12 lakh women utilised the free travel benefit, saving around Rs. 5 crore. The scheme is initially being implemented using the existing APSRTC fleet of 8,458 buses, with plans to procure additional buses based on demand.
To avail the scheme, beneficiaries must produce valid identity proof, such as Aadhaar or other domicile proofs, including soft copies on mobile phones. The government is also considering equipping staff with body-worn cameras and installing CCTV cameras in all buses for passenger safety.
Bus stations will see upgraded amenities such as fans, chairs, drinking water, and toilets as part of the Stree Shakti scheme. The government is actively monitoring usage and making arrangements to facilitate more women, especially working women, to travel freely.
The Stree Shakti scheme is a significant step towards empowering women and transgender persons in Andhra Pradesh by providing safe, accessible, and cost-free mobility across the state. The estimated annual cost of the scheme is Rs 1,942 crore, which amounts to approximately Rs 162 crore per month.
The government is considering the procurement of electric buses for the Stree Shakti scheme, subject to Cabinet approval. Beneficiaries of the scheme will receive zero-fare tickets, and the APSRTC will submit these tickets to the government for reimbursement.
The Stree Shakti scheme was a poll promise of the TDP-led NDA government ahead of the 2024 elections. Upgraded amenities such as fans, chairs, drinking water, and toilets will be available at bus stations as part of the scheme. The scheme does not cover non-relevant services such as non-stop services, interstate operations, contract carriages, chartered services, or package tours.
In conclusion, the Stree Shakti scheme represents a major stride towards women's empowerment in Andhra Pradesh, offering safe, accessible, and cost-free mobility across the state. The government is committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of its beneficiaries and is actively working towards expanding the scheme as needed.
- The Stree Shakti scheme, an initiative under health-and-wellness and women's health, aims to provide free and safe mobility for women and transgender persons in Andhra Pradesh, which can be seen as a significant policy-and-legislation and political move towards women's empowerment.
- The proposed procurement of electric buses for the Stree Shakti scheme falls under the category of general-news, given the focus on reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation.
- The Stree Shakti scheme's implementation and the upgraded amenities at bus stations can be considered part of the broader topic of science and technology, as these improvements are dependent on modern technology and infrastructure.
