Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Minister K Parthasarathy announced that the state government’s flagship free bus travel scheme for women, named 'Stree Shakti' (Women's Power), will be launched statewide on August 15. The scheme is a key poll promise aimed at empowering women by improving their access to education, employment, and overall mobility.

Speaking at a press conference after a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Parthasarathy clarified that, contrary to reports, the scheme will not be restricted to select districts but implemented across the entire state. "There were reports that the scheme would be restricted to certain areas, but it has been decided to implement it statewide," Parthasarathy said.

Under this initiative, about 8,456 buses, approximately 75 per cent of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation’s (APSRTC) total fleet of 11,449 buses, will provide free travel to women. Services covered include Palle Velugu, Ultra Palle Velugu, City Ordinary, Metro Express, and Express buses.

The program is estimated to cost Rs 1,942 crore annually, or roughly Rs 162 crore per month, and is expected to benefit up to 1.4 crore women every year. According to Parthasarathy, the scheme could help each family save up to Rs 1,000 per month, enhancing women’s access to educational and employment opportunities, among other sectors.

With inputs from PTI