‘Stree Shakti’ Enables Free Travel for Women, Girls, and Transgender Persons Across APSRTC Network
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday officially launched the ambitious ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme, offering free bus travel for all girls, women, and transgender persons who hold domicile status in the state. The launch event took place in the presence of key NDA leaders, including Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan and IT Minister Nara Lokesh.
Key Highlights of Stree Shakti Scheme
- Who benefits?
All girls, women, and transgender individuals with Andhra Pradesh domicile status. - Coverage:
Beneficiaries can travel anywhere across the state using APSRTC buses. - Bus services included:
- Pallevelugu
- Ultra Pallevelugu
- City Ordinary
- Metro Express
- Express services
- Fleet access:
Around 74% of APSRTC’s 11,449 buses will be available for free travel under this scheme. - Expected beneficiaries:
Approximately 2.62 crore women across Andhra Pradesh.
Launch Event and Public Reception
CM Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, and IT Minister Nara Lokesh took a symbolic bus ride through Tadepalli village in Guntur district. They were warmly welcomed by residents and beneficiaries, many of whom took turns sitting beside the leaders to interact and share their hopes for the scheme’s impact.
Stree Shakti Part of ‘Super Six’ Election Promises
The free bus travel scheme is one of the ‘Super Six’ promises made by Chandrababu Naidu ahead of the 2024 elections. Other promises include:
- ₹1,500 monthly aid for every woman aged 19 to 59 years
- 20 lakh jobs for youth or ₹3,000 monthly unemployment allowance
- ₹15,000 annual scholarship per school-going child (Talliki Vandanam)
- Three free gas cylinders per household (Deepam – 2)
- ₹20,000 annual financial assistance for every farmer (Annadata Sukhibhava)
Why Stree Shakti Matters
- Empowers women by improving mobility and access to education, work, and healthcare
- Supports gender equality and social inclusion, extending benefits to transgender persons
- Encourages greater use of public transportation, reducing traffic and pollution
- Reinforces the government’s commitment to women’s welfare and empowerment
The launch of the Stree Shakti free bus travel scheme marks a significant milestone in Andhra Pradesh’s social welfare landscape. By providing free mobility to millions of women and transgender persons, the government hopes to foster greater independence, economic participation, and safety across the state.
