AP Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy announced that the Stree Shakti scheme will be launched from August 15 in Andhra Pradesh. The free travel scheme for women in RTC buses has been named Stree Shakti. He said that the Stree Shakti scheme will be launched on August 15 by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu.
The Minister said that under the Stree Shakti scheme, AP women can travel anywhere in the state for free. He said that free travel facility will be provided in Pallevelugu, Ultra Pallevelugu, City Ordinary, Metro Express and Express buses. He explained that 6700 buses have been allocated for free bus travel for women.
He said that the implementation of the free travel scheme for women in RTC buses will cost the AP government exchequer Rs. 1950 crore. The government has prepared guidelines in this regard to provide free travel to women in RTC buses as a gift on August 15 under the name of “Stree Shakti”.
It may be recalled that the Chief Minister constituted a cabinet sub-committee to prepare guidelines for the implementation of this scheme. The members of the panel, Transport Minister Ram Prasad Reddy, Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, Tribal Welfare and Women and Child Welfare Minister Gummadi Sandhya Rani, discussed with senior officials of the RTC and Transport Departments at the Velagapudi Secretariat.
They also discussed the appointment of sufficient buses and staff to implement the scheme effectively. Transport Minister Mandapalli Ram Prasad said that the scheme will be formally approved in the cabinet meeting to be held on the 6th of this month. Ram Prasad said that the number of buses will be increased in line with the free travel of women.
He said that 1,400 electric buses will be purchased in the next two years. He explained that the appointments of drivers and mechanics will be made in two days. Mandipalli also said that RTC land is being leased to Lulu Malls in Vijayawada to promote industries. He said that this will generate revenue for the RTC and job opportunities for the youth.
