98% occupancy, 60L travellers: Free travel scheme for women boosts TGSRTC ridership

Hyderabad: Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) bus occupancy has increased from 69% to 98% due to the free travel scheme for women.

Replying to a question in the Legislative Council, Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said women passengers now form a much larger share of RTC users, with daily ridership touching nearly 60 lakh.

He noted that the scheme has enabled women to travel longer distances for employment, thereby improving their earning opportunities.

Maha Lakshmi scheme sees wide adoption

The minister informed the House that under the Maha Lakshmi scheme, between December 9, 2023, and February 28, 2026, about 279.97 crore women availed free bus travel. He added that the scheme was rolled out within 48 hours of the new government assuming office.

Strong financial backing from government

To support the implementation of the scheme, the government released ₹3,866.30 crore to RTC during 2024–25 and ₹2,913.82 crore up to February 26 in 2025–26.

Additional bus services have also been introduced, particularly in rural areas and on high-demand urban routes, to meet the growing passenger load.

RTC finances show improvement

Highlighting financial improvements, Ponnam Prabhakar said RTC’s CCS dues were reduced from ₹664 crore to ₹300 crore, while PF dues were brought down from ₹1,350 crore to ₹600 crore.

The government also cleared 2013 RPS bonds, incurring an additional burden of ₹280 crore. He remarked that RTC, once considered financially strained, is now moving towards stability.

Expansion of fleet and infrastructure

The minister said the government has strengthened RTC infrastructure and fleet by procuring 2,708 new buses and establishing new depots in Eturunagaram of Mulugu district and Peddapalli.

An allocation of ₹100 crore has been made to upgrade bus station facilities, while new routes are being introduced based on public demand.

Recruitment and employee welfare measures

On employment and welfare, he stated that 3,038 posts are being filled, marking the first major recruitment drive in over a decade. The government has also provided 1,132 compassionate appointments and implemented a 21% fitment related to 2017.

RTC employees have been extended a ₹1 crore accident insurance cover, and a three-member committee facilitated the reinstatement of 250 employees who were earlier removed from service.

Boost to women’s economic empowerment

In a move aimed at promoting women’s economic empowerment, 600 buses have been allotted to women’s groups, providing them with a monthly income of around ₹70,000. The minister said the initiative has enhanced mobility and financial independence for women across the State.

Assurance to auto workers

Addressing concerns raised by auto drivers, he said they are an integral part of the Telangana movement and assured that the government is working on a dedicated welfare scheme for them.

Criticism over social media narratives

The minister also criticised attempts to portray the free travel scheme negatively on social media, stating that such narratives undermine the dignity of women. He called for constructive discussion on the initiative.

RTC staff efforts praised

Concluding his remarks, Ponnam Prabhakar appreciated the efforts of RTC staff, stating that drivers and conductors are playing a crucial role in transporting lakhs of passengers safely every day.