Bhatti: Mahalakshmi scheme boosts TGSRTC bus occupancy to 97%; women saved Rs 6,680 crore

Hyderabad: The occupancy ratio of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) buses has increased significantly from 60 per cent to 97 per cent, following the introduction of free bus travel for women under the Mahalakshmi scheme, deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu said on Wednesday.

‘Telangana women saved Rs 6,680 crore due to initiative’

Speaking at the celebrations marking 200 crore free journeys by women passengers, Bhatti Vikramarka said that women in the State have saved Rs 6,680 crore through the scheme so far.

“This initiative has brought immense economic relief to women, who are using buses for their daily commutes, temple visits, and children’s education,” he said.

RTC turns profitable, thanks to Mahalakshmi scheme

He recalled that earlier, many described RTC as a sinking ship, but after the scheme’s launch, the corporation has turned profitable.

“The government is paying RTC the expenditure incurred for these free rides regularly. We will continue to bear these costs to support women,” he assured.

Sending diesel buses out of the city

The deputy CM also highlighted the government’s focus on environmental sustainability.

“In Hyderabad, we are gradually shifting diesel buses out of the city to control pollution. Currently, 11 per cent of buses are battery-operated and orders have been placed for 3,000 battery buses, with plans to purchase another 500 soon,” he said.

Empowering women to buy buses

Stating that the government aims to make one crore women financially strong, he said interest-free loans are being provided to women’s self-help groups to buy buses and lease them to RTC.

“Recently, cheques worth crores were distributed to these groups through minister Ponnam Prabhakar,” he said.

He added that Rs 20,000 crore worth of interest-free loans are given to women’s groups every year, and in the first year itself, the government surpassed its target by distributing 21,650 such loans.

Between July 12 and 20, loan cheques were distributed as part of Mahila Shakti celebrations. Another event will soon be held in Hyderabad for cheque distribution under ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and Seethakka.

New roads to boost connectivity

Bhatti Vikramarka also announced that under Roads & Buildings minister Komatireddy Venkata Reddy, the government will invest Rs 20,000 crore in constructing new roads, repairing existing ones, and undertaking widening projects.

“This will ensure safe and comfortable journeys for RTC passengers and improve overall transport infrastructure in the State,” he said.