Mahalakshmi Free Bus Scheme Crosses 200 Crore Rides: Kappati Panduranga Reddy


Hyderabad (Same Day): In a significant milestone for the Telangana government’s flagship social welfare initiative, the Mahalakshmi Free Bus Travel Scheme for women has successfully facilitated over 200 crore free rides since its launch on December 9, 2023. The scheme, introduced by the Congress government under Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, has incurred an expenditure of ₹6,700 crore to date, according to Kappati Panduranga Reddy, former Chairman of the Ranga Reddy District Library Corporation.

To mark this landmark achievement, the state government has announced celebratory events across 97 RTC depots and 341 bus stations today. Special programmes, felicitation ceremonies, and cultural activities are being organised, with participation from public representatives, RTC employees, women commuters, students, and civil society members.

Panduranga Reddy lauded the Mahalakshmi Scheme as a symbol of women empowerment and inclusive governance. He stated that many women, particularly from rural areas, are now able to travel to urban centres for employment, education, and healthcare without financial burden. “Women are saving approximately ₹4,000 to ₹10,000 per month through this scheme, which has directly impacted household incomes,” he noted.

Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar commended RTC staff, including drivers, conductors, traffic guides, and depot managers, for their role in implementing the scheme without disruption. He assured that the government has been reimbursing the corporation regularly and also investing in the procurement of new buses to strengthen the initiative.

As part of today’s observance, outstanding employees from each depot — five drivers and five conductors honoured for their service. Additionally, women commuters will be felicitated with shawls and mementoes. Students across schools and colleges are participating in essay writing, drawing, and rangoli competitions on themes such as public transport, women’s safety, and social equity.

Calling the scheme a "zero-ticket revolution," Mr. Reddy emphasised that this is not merely a welfare programme, but a transformative movement aimed at restoring dignity, mobility, and opportunity for women. "In just 18 months of public governance, the Congress-led administration has redefined accessibility and dignity in public transport for women,” he said.

The Mahalakshmi Scheme remains the first major welfare initiative implemented by the current administration and continues to serve as a model for women-centric governance nationwide.

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