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New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Telangana govt celebrates as free rides touch 200-crore mark
HYDERABAD: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Wednesday said that the state government has been promptly reimbursing the money to RTC for 'zero tickets' it has been issuing to women travellers under the under Mahalakshmi scheme. During a ceremony held at the MGBS to celebrate 200 crore free bus rides recorded under the scheme, the deputy CM felicitated women beneficiaries who have been availing the free bus service. He also felicitated the RTC representatives for successfully implementing the scheme. In a symbolic gesture, a Rs 6,680 crore cheque, representing the 'collective savings' of women commuters through the scheme, was presented by the government to the RTC senior officials. Vikramarka stated that the government was reimbursing RTC for all 'zero tickets' issued under the Mahalakshmi scheme, which in turn is strengthening the financial health of the corporation. He revealed that 2,400 new buses were procured since the Congress formed the government in the state. He said that RTC would soon add 2,800 electric buses to its fleet. Currently, 11% of the buses are electric, he said. Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar lauded the efforts of RTC staff in the effective execution of the Mahalakshmi scheme. He said that the scheme has become an integral part of women's daily lives. He said that celebrations were held across 97 depots and 324 bus stations. Roads & Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy said that in order to strengthen public transport, the government would soon begin construction of new roads, connecting every village to the mandal headquarters and mandals to district headquarters. He said that the free bus travel facility has not only helped women save on travel expenses but also benefitted the RTC. RTC Managing Director VC Sajjanar said that the Mahalakshmi scheme was currently being implemented in 7,913 buses, with an average of 35 lakh women commuters travelling daily under the scheme. He said that the occupancy ratio, which was 69% before the scheme, increased to 97% now.
United News of India
6 days ago
- Business
- United News of India
Telangana celebrates 200 crore free rides under Maha Lakshmi scheme
Hyderabad, July 23 (UNI) In a major milestone for Telangana's flagship Maha Lakshmi free travel scheme, the state government today celebrated 200 crore free bus journeys made by women in RTC buses, resulting in an estimated Rs 6,680 crore in savings for passengers. Special programmes and public meetings were held at 97 RTC depots and 341 bus stations across Telangana to mark the achievement. In Hyderabad, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka participated in the celebrations held at MGBS, with Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and Komatireddy Venkata Reddy also in attendance. Speaking at the event, Deputy CM Vikramarka said the RTC had turned a corner since the launch of the Maha Lakshmi scheme on December 9, 2023, coinciding with the formation of the new government. 'Earlier, RTC was called a sinking boat. Today, it is a profit-making government institution,' he said. The state has so far paid Rs 6,680 crore to RTC to cover the fare for 200 crore women passengers. The Deputy CM added that the scheme has not only empowered women through free travel but has also boosted RTC's operations. 'Prior to the scheme, RTC's occupancy ratio stood at 62 per cent. Today, it has surged to 97 per cent. Daily passenger numbers have increased from 45 lakh to 65 lakh.' Highlighting efforts to make Hyderabad a pollution-free city, Vikramarka announced that RTC is transitioning its fleet to electric vehicles. Orders have been placed for 3,000 electric buses, and 11 per cent of these have already been delivered. The goal is to replace 2,800 buses in Hyderabad with electric ones. Since the scheme's launch, the government has purchased 2,400 new buses and introduced new policies through the Transport Department. Further empowering women, the government has enabled women's associations to own RTC buses through interest-free loans. 'We recently handed over cheques of Rs 1 crore each to women's groups who now own RTC buses. Petrol stations are also being set up by them,' he said. Minister Ponnam Prabhakar recalled the official launch of the scheme in the Legislative Assembly and congratulated women on completing 200 crore free journeys. He credited the dedication of RTC drivers and conductors for the successful implementation of the programme. Minister Komatireddy Venkata Reddy noted that the scheme was rolled out within two days of the government assuming office. He said, 'Women are now travelling freely wherever they wish, thanks to this revolutionary scheme. We are also investing heavily in road infrastructure to improve connectivity.' He added that starting next month, the government will begin work on double-lane roads from villages to mandal and district centres, as part of a Rs 20,000 crore road development plan aimed at transforming transportation in the state. The Maha Lakshmi scheme, designed to provide free travel for women on state-run buses, is now being hailed as a social and economic game-changer for Telangana. UNI VV RKM
