Stree Shakti Scheme to Include Free AC Bus Travel for Women in Andhra Pradesh

The Andhra Pradesh government is preparing to expand its free bus travel initiative for women by bringing AC services under the Stree Shakti Scheme.

The scheme was introduced after the coalition government came to power and currently provides free travel for women on selected APSRTC bus categories. The move has been welcomed by many women, but the heavy passenger rush on eligible services has also become a growing concern.

Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu announced the proposed change during a pension distribution programme held in Mogalthuru. He said the government plans to introduce a large number of new AC buses and extend the Stree Shakti benefit to those services as well.

The decision is expected to offer women another travel option while reducing some of the pressure on ordinary buses. AC services could be particularly useful during the summer, when long journeys on crowded buses can become uncomfortable.

APSRTC officials are expected to work out the operational details before the expanded benefit is introduced. The government has not yet provided a complete timeline or detailed guidelines covering the new AC bus facility.

The Stree Shakti Scheme currently applies to five categories of APSRTC services, including Pallevelugu and Express buses. With free travel encouraging more women to use public transport, passenger numbers on these services have increased considerably in several areas.

The proposed AC bus expansion could help distribute the passenger load across more services. It would also give women the option of travelling in relatively more comfortable conditions without paying a fare, once the new arrangement becomes operational.

The government is also running the Divyangashakti initiative for eligible persons with disabilities. People with more than 40 percent disability are provided free travel on APSRTC buses, while their attendants receive a 50 percent fare concession.

There is currently no clear confirmation on whether the same free travel facility for eligible persons with disabilities will also be extended to AC buses. Officials are expected to provide more details as the government finalises the expanded transport arrangements.

The announcement of free AC travel under Stree Shakti has generated considerable interest among women across Andhra Pradesh. The next major step will be the formal guidelines and implementation schedule from the government and APSRTC.