Mahalakshmi Scheme Hits 200 Crore Free Tickets, Empowers Women & Revitalises RTC

Hyderabad: The RTC on Tuesday issued its Ticket No. 200 crore in the Mahalakshmi free travel for women scheme. Till Monday, the government said, the RTC had 199.6 crore ‘zero’ tickets since the scheme began in December 9, 2023, hours after the Congress government formed power in the state.

The scheme has helped families save up to Rs.2,500 per month on travel expenses, or a cumulative Rs.6,671 crore so far.

Overall, in the Greater Hyderabad Zone (GHZ) alone, 93 crore women commuters have benefited from the scheme up to July 21. It was stated that about 35 lakh women use the service daily statewide, including about eight lakh in the GHZ.

An additional 6.5 lakh passengers travel without availing of the scheme.

Transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Tuesday said that the Mahalakshmi scheme had empowered women. He said the corporation, which was previously running in losses and was on the verge of closure, has witnessed improved earnings because of the scheme.

The daily revenue is around Rs.6.5 crore, of which Rs.3.8 crore comes through the Mahalakshmi scheme and Rs.2.7 crore from regular fare-paying passengers.

“Women have gained a sense of empowerment through this scheme. When they flag down the buses, the drivers stop without hesitation. Since the scheme's launch, women have been able to visit temples, go shopping, seek medical care, and visit loved ones — without any hassle,” he said.

He said the Mahalakshmi scheme had become a model for other states.

The corporation has added 1,450 new buses, bringing the total fleet strength to 9,300 buses statewide.

Prabhakar reiterated the vision of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to introduce 2,400 electric buses within the Outer Ring Road region, enhancing public transport in and around Hyderabad.

In Hyderabad, 3,100 buses are currently plying on the roads. Following the introduction of the Mahalakshmi Scheme, 265 electric buses and 210 Metro Deluxe buses have been added.