Free Bus Ride Gave Freedom of Travel to Women, Says Bhatti

Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Wednesday said that the Mahalakshmi Zero Ticket scheme has granted the freedom of travel to women in the state and strengthened the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC).

Participation in an event to celebrate the Mahalakshmi scheme crossing 200-crore mark at the Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station in Hyderabad, the Deputy Chief Minister said, “It’s not just free travel — women have also been made owners of buses.”

He further stated, “As of now, 11 per cent of the corporation’s fleet comprises electric buses… The government is planning to repair and develop roads across the state with Rs.20,000 crores, making the public transport system will become more accessible to people.”

Vikramarka assured the RTC employees that “the government will support RTC in every possible way.” He also handed over a cheque for Rs.6,680 crores to the RTC managing director C.V. Sajjanar as the reimbursement for the Zero Ticket scheme.

Women and transgender persons have enjoyed free travel for work, education, visits to historical places, and pilgrimages. Women employed in private jobs said they saved around Rs.5,000 through free bus travel, which they now spend on their children.

“The corporation has purchased 2,400 new buses since this government came to power, and TGSRTC is making moves to purchase 2,800 electric buses to make Hyderabad a pollution-free city,” he said.

Transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar congratulated RTC staff for the successful implementation of the Mahalakshmi Scheme. He reminded the gathering that the scheme has become an integral part of daily life for women.

“New buses are being procured and appointments are being made in line with the increased traffic. TGSRTC is giving priority to both better transport facilities for passengers and the welfare of employees,” said the transport minister.

RTC managing director C.V. Sajjanar said, “The Mahalakshmi scheme is currently being implemented in 7,913 buses, with an average of 35 lakh women travelling daily. The occupancy ratio (OR) before the scheme’s implementation was 69 per cent, which has now risen steeply to 97 per cent.”