Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu is set to launch another transformative welfare initiative as part of his “Super Six” promises, with plans to implement the “Free RTC Bus Travel for Women” scheme by Sankranti on January 14. Aimed at empowering women through accessible public transportation, this scheme is expected to be a landmark step in Andhra Pradesh’s development agenda.
On November 6, Naidu and key cabinet ministers, including BC Janardhan Reddy, Kollu Ravindra, and Ramprasad Reddy, will convene to finalize the scheme’s rollout strategy. Preparations are already underway, as APSRTC officials have drawn up a detailed blueprint after studying similar models in Telangana and Karnataka. These neighboring states have successfully executed comparable programs, and APSRTC’s visits to observe their operational structures have provided insights into possible adaptations for Andhra Pradesh.
This initiative follows another successful rollout under Naidu’s Super Six commitments: the free gas refill scheme for white ration card holders. In just four days, over five lakh beneficiaries have taken advantage of the three free gas refills, a clear indication of the scheme’s popularity and effectiveness.
With APSRTC currently generating monthly revenue around ₹2,500 crore from ticket sales, of which about ₹220 crore is allocated for diesel, the government will need to make substantial financial adjustments. The free travel scheme will require the state to forgo an estimated ₹125 crore per month in revenue while also providing APSRTC an additional ₹250 crore in subsidies. Altogether, the scheme could lead to a monthly expense of approximately ₹375 crore for the government. Despite this financial commitment, the cabinet’s determination signals a strong push to prioritize women’s welfare and the ease of public transport access across Andhra Pradesh.
The Sankranti festival holds special significance in Andhra culture, symbolizing new beginnings and community unity. By launching the free RTC bus travel scheme for women on this auspicious day, Naidu aims to not only keep his electoral promise but also empower women to travel safely and affordably throughout the state.
Stay tuned for updates on the November 6 cabinet meeting and the official confirmation of the scheme’s rollout timeline.
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