The Stree Shakti scheme, one of the six guarantees of the alliance government, was launched today. From August 15, women, girls, and transgenders can travel for free across Andhra Pradesh.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu launched the scheme and marked the occasion with a rare gesture. A video that went viral shows the CM, Deputy CM, and IT Minister travelling in an APSRTC bus from Undavalli to Mangalagiri at 3.30 pm. Chandrababu was seen interacting with a woman passenger, while Lokesh and Pawan Kalyan appeared amused, enjoying the ride.
The free bus service aims to create better educational and employment opportunities for women in the state. If a woman travels alone, she will not be charged. When accompanied by family members, they will pay the fare while the woman travels for free.
The state government has clarified which buses offer free travel under the scheme and which do not. More buses have been added to the APSRTC fleet to meet the expected three-month rush. Drivers and conductors have received training to manage any challenges.
Women will need to show their identification card to avail themselves of the free travel facility.
CM Chandrababu, Deputy CM @PawanKalyan, and Nara Lokesh launched AP’s free bus scheme by traveling with women from Undavalli to Vijayawada in an RTC bus..! #AndhraPradesh pic.twitter.com/x3KXGBZzRd
— ✒ త్రివిక్రమ్ ᶠᵃⁿ ✍️ (@Harinani_) August 15, 2025
