Free bus travel for women and transgender persons across Andhra Pradesh from August 15
Under the initiative, women and transgender individuals residing in Andhra Pradesh will be able to travel free of cost on Palle Velugu, Ultra Palle Velugu, City Ordinary, Express, and Metro Express buses across the State. Beneficiaries must produce valid identification such as an Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or Ration Card to avail of the benefit. Mr. Ramprasad Reddy said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had instructed officials to ensure flawless and transparent implementation of the scheme. To that end, a group of three Ministers studied similar schemes in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana before finalising Andhra Pradesh's model.
The scheme will cover 6,700 buses—roughly 74% of the State's fleet—and is expected to cost the exchequer around ₹1,950 crore annually. The government is also in the process of procuring 3,000 electric buses this year, with plans to add another 1,400 over the next two years. Additional drivers and mechanics will be recruited to handle the anticipated rise in demand, the Minister added.
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