In a move that marks a significant step towards women’s welfare and public transport accessibility, the Andhra Pradesh government is gearing up to roll out its flagship Free Bus Travel Scheme for Women from August 15, coinciding with Independence Day. As preparations gather pace, Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) Managing Director Dwarka Tirumala Rao has revealed key operational details to ensure a smooth and effective rollout.

APSRTC MD Dwaraka Tirumala Rao personally visited bus stands and depots at Venkatagiri and Vakadu in Tirupati district, inspecting the readiness of infrastructure and holding review meetings with officials. Speaking to the media during his visit, the MD outlined the government’s vision and the corporation’s execution strategy.

“Out of the 11,000 buses in the APSRTC fleet, around 74% will be allocated to serve under the women’s free travel scheme. This is a major logistical undertaking, but one we are determined to deliver efficiently,” said Tirumala Rao.

The initiative, originally announced as part of the coalition government’s election promises, aims to empower women through mobility, enabling them to travel across the state free of cost using RTC services. The scheme is not limited to present-day districts but will also be expanded to erstwhile unified districts, ensuring broader accessibility in rural and semi-urban regions.