KIRANMAI TUTIKA I AMARAVATI

Chants of “Thank you, CM Sir!” filled the air along the roadside as an APSRTC bus carrying Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan made its way through the streets. The leaders shared the ride with women passengers to mark the launch of the ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme, offering free bus travel to women across Andhra Pradesh.

For Lakshmi Gowri, a vegetable vendor from Guntur who commutes daily to Vijayawada, it was a life-changing moment. Clutching her zero-fare ticket with pride, she said, “This initiative saves me at least Rs 1,200 every month. That money will now go toward my children’s school fees or something else useful.” She described her future commutes as “a ride to cherish.”

The impact of the scheme goes far beyond one woman. The government estimates that 2.62 crore women, along with transgender persons, will benefit from the programme. Kavita, a nursing student from Mangalagiri, emphasized the emotional significance: “For girls like me, it’s not just about money—it’s about freedom. Freedom to learn, achieve, and move without worrying about the fare or the journey.”

The launch of the scheme drew huge crowds at the Vijayawada City Bus Terminal, where Naidu ceremonially flagged off the first fleet of free-travel buses. TDP, Jana Sena, and BJP workers celebrated with fireworks, music, and garlands, calling it the fastest fulfilment of a major election promise.

“This scheme is not just a promise fulfilled; it’s a step toward dignity, safety, and economic empowerment for every woman in Andhra Pradesh,” the Chief Minister said, pausing frequently during the ride to speak with women about their daily travel challenges.

Under Stree Shakti, women can travel free of cost in Palle Velugu, Ultra Palle Velugu, City Ordinary, Express, and Metro Express services statewide. By presenting an Aadhaar card, ration card, or voter ID, they receive a zero-fare ticket. The annual cost to the exchequer is estimated at Rs 1,942 crore. “This is proof that our government delivers—and delivers quickly,” said Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan. Nara Lokesh called it “a practical gift to every household in Andhra Pradesh.”

A key election promise of the TDP-led NDA, the Stree Shakti scheme was implemented within 15 months of taking office. Framing it as part of a broader welfare and social mobility mission, Naidu said: “We know the cost is high, but the value is higher—in opportunity, inclusion, and in the respect we show our mothers, sisters, and daughters.”