Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu formally launched the ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme for free bus travel for women at Undavalli Caves in Mangalagiri constituency on Friday. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Minister Nara Lokesh participated in the program. The CM launched the issuance of zero fare tickets for free travel for women.
Later, after giving zero fare tickets to the women, Chandrababu, Pawan Kalyan and Lokesh traveled in the bus to Vijayawada PNBS City Terminal with them. Women came in large numbers to thank the Chief Minister for providing free bus travel. The women of Mangalagiri welcomed them with Mangala Aarti at every step. The activists celebrated by bursting firecrackers on a large scale with DJ and Teen Mar dances and held a mass fair.
The bus journey of Chandrababu, Pawan and Lokesh proceeded via Undavalli Caves, Undavalli Center, Tadepalli Palace, Tadepalli Center, Kanakadurga Bridge to PNBS City Terminal. Police tightened security along the route of Chandrababu, Pawan Kalyan and Lokesh’s bus. Grand welcome arrangements were made with flags of the three parties along the route of the bus. Mangalagiri constituency was filled with women chanting ‘Thank you CM Sir’ at every center.
Women reached Tadepalli Palace in large numbers and gave a grand welcome to the bus carrying Chandrababu, Pawan Kalyan and Lokesh. Leaders and activists anointed portraits of Chandrababu, Nara Lokesh and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan near Jagan’s residence in Tadepalli. The government has made it easy for women to travel free of cost across the state in 5 types of buses.
Women can travel free in Palle Velugu, Ultra Palle Velugu, City Ordinary, Express and Metro Express buses. Women can travel free by showing their government identity card. They can travel in buses by showing their Aadhaar, voter and ration cards. While 2.62 crore women will benefit from the ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme, the implementation of the scheme will cost the government Rs 1,942 crore annually. The government has decided to extend free bus travel to transgenders as well.
