Amaravati, August 2025:
Fulfilling one of his key electoral promises, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has launched the “Stree Shakti” scheme, offering free bus travel across the state for women, girl children, and transgender individuals. The scheme will officially come into effect on August 15, 2025, enabling lakhs of beneficiaries to travel free of cost in state-run APSRTC buses.
The scheme is applicable to:
Beneficiaries will need to show valid identification such as Aadhaar card, voter ID, or ration card to claim a free ticket.
Free travel is available only on select categories of APSRTC buses operating within Andhra Pradesh:
The scheme does not cover premium, interstate, or contract-based services. Women cannot avail free travel on:
Out of a total of 11,449 APSRTC buses, the scheme is being implemented in 8,458 buses, covering around 74% of the entire fleet. This ensures widespread accessibility, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where APSRTC is a primary mode of travel.
Each woman commuter is expected to save ₹800 to ₹1,000 per month under this initiative, providing significant relief to households. This is seen as a major step towards women’s empowerment, mobility, and social inclusion.
Women passengers can collect a free ticket directly from the bus conductor after showing their Aadhaar, voter ID, or ration card. No additional formalities are required.
Launching the scheme on Independence Day carries symbolic importance. The government emphasized that mobility is central to empowerment, and by ensuring women can travel freely within the state, the initiative will help them pursue education, employment, and personal independence without financial barriers.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu described the program as a “promise fulfilled to empower women of Andhra Pradesh”, aligning with his government’s focus on social welfare and inclusive growth.
The “Stree Shakti” free bus travel scheme marks a transformative welfare initiative for Andhra Pradesh’s women. With 8,458 buses across the state offering free travel, it is expected to not only ease financial burdens but also enhance women’s participation in education, employment, and daily life.