Andhra Pradesh Launches Free Bus Travel for Women Andhra Pradesh today makes a big change with the launch of its ‘Stree Shakti’ program, giving all women free travel on government buses across the state. This vital move starts right now, allowing women from every walk of life to ride without paying, easing their daily travel and helping them save money. The state government has put this plan in place to improve women’s freedom to move and take part in society more easily, whether for work, study, or family needs. This decision is a clear step towards helping women grow stronger and more independent by removing the cost of transport.
Starting the Free Travel
Andhra Pradesh has launched a new program offering free bus travel for women across the state. The program, named ‘Stree Shakti,’ began on August 15, 2025. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu officially started the scheme at the Pandit Nehru Bus Station in Vijayawada. This new program is a key part of the government’s “Super Six” promises made before the 2024 elections. The government has stated that the ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme is designed to help women by removing the cost of daily travel.
Who Can Travel Free and Where
The ‘Stree Shakti’ program is open to all girls, women. transgender persons who live in Andhra Pradesh. To use the free travel, eligible passengers must show a valid identity proof to the bus conductor. Accepted identity documents include Voter ID cards, Aadhaar cards, ration cards, or driving licenses. The free travel is available on five specific types of buses run by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC). These bus types are:
- Pallevelugu
- Ultra Pallevelugu
- City Ordinary
- Metro Express
- Express services
About 74 percent of the total 11,449 buses in the APSRTC fleet will offer free travel. But, the scheme does not cover all bus services. It is not applicable to:
- Non-stop services
- Interstate services of any kind
- Contract carriage services
- Chartered services
- Package tours
- Saptagiri Express, Ultra Deluxe, Super Luxury, Star Liner. all AC buses
- Services on ghat roads
Eligible women can travel free in enclave route services.
Why This Scheme Was Started
The main goal of the ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme is to free women from the burden of travel costs. The government believes this will help women greatly by increasing their ability to move around freely, access education, find jobs. get to healthcare services more easily. Officials estimate that women in Andhra Pradesh travel by bus about four times a week on average. working women travel daily. The scheme is expected to help women save a good amount of money, possibly between Rs 1,000 and Rs 3,000 each month. This financial saving is intended to empower women by reducing their daily expenses.
Financial Details and Management
The ‘Stree Shakti’ program is a large undertaking with significant financial costs. The state government estimates that the scheme will cost about Rs 1,942 crore annually. On a monthly basis, this amounts to around Rs 162 crore. To manage the free travel, APSRTC will give special “zero-fare” tickets to women passengers. The cost of these tickets will then be paid back to APSRTC by the state government. The Transport Department and APSRTC have been working to update their computer systems and software to allow for the easy issuing of these zero-fare tickets. The government has also stated that while the scheme starts with the existing bus fleet, additional buses will be bought and added to the services if needed, based on public demand.
Steps for Passenger Safety and Comfort
Alongside the free travel, the government is also focusing on improving safety and comfort for women passengers. Plans include providing body-worn cameras to all women conductors. There are also plans to install CCTV cameras inside buses to enhance safety. Beyond safety measures, efforts are being made to upgrade public facilities at bus stations. This includes improving access to fans, chairs, drinking water. toilet facilities for passengers.
What People Are Saying
The ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme is expected to benefit a large number of people, with estimates suggesting around 2. 62 crore women in the state will use the free travel. State Transport Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy has said that the program aims to ensure equal opportunities for women and support their progress in all areas. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu referred to the scheme as a “brother’s gift” to women across the state on Independence Day. While the scheme is largely welcomed, there are also some points of discussion. There are concerns about potential overcrowding on buses due to increased ridership, especially since there has not been a major increase in the number of buses right away. There are also questions about the financial impact on APSRTC, even with government reimbursement. Another concern raised is the possible effect on the earnings of auto-rickshaw and cab drivers, who might see fewer female passengers. Similar free bus travel programs for women have been launched in other states like Telangana and Karnataka, which have shown increased use of public transport by women. 
