Maha Lakshmi scheme: TGSRTC clocks 200 crore free bus journeys for women; state reimburses Rs 6,700 Cr

Hyderabad: Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) has crossed a major milestone under the Maha Lakshmi scheme, with over 200 crore free bus journeys availed by women passengers so far, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar announced on Tuesday.

Rs 6,700 Cr reimbursed by government

Since the launch of the Maha Lakshmi scheme on December 9, 2023, the state government has reimbursed Rs 6,700 crore to TGSRTC towards women’s free travel, ensuring smooth operations without financial hurdles.

The scheme was the first flagship welfare initiative implemented by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s government is to empower women.

Celebrations across depots and bus stations

To mark this achievement, special programmes and celebrations will be held on Wednesday across 97 bus depots and 341 bus stations in Telangana. The Minister directed officials to organise meetings and display banners highlighting the milestone.

Programmes to involve public representatives

Local MPs, ministers, MLAs, mayors, and other VIPs will be invited to participate in the celebrations. Women passengers from diverse backgrounds – including vegetable vendors, employees, teachers, students, businesswomen, patients visiting urban hospitals, and pilgrims – will share their travel experiences during these events.

Felicitations and Competitions Planned

As part of the celebrations, women passengers will be felicitated with shawls and gifts at major depots and bus stations.

Competitions such as essay writing, rangoli, and painting will be organised for school and college students on the themes of the Maha Lakshmi scheme and women's empowerment.

Five winners will be awarded books, water bottles, and pen sets.

Honouring RTC Staff

The Minister appreciated RTC drivers, conductors, workers, and officers for their contribution to the scheme’s success. Each depot will felicitate five best drivers, five best conductors, and traffic guides/security staff who played a key role in implementing the scheme effectively.

Empowering women, boosting RTC

Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said the free bus travel initiative is enabling women’s empowerment as many from remote areas now commute daily to cities for employment, significantly contributing to RTC’s growth.

He noted that women are saving Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 per month through free travel, which is helping them achieve financial stability.

“The RTC will continue prioritising passenger safety, employee welfare, and institutional strengthening,” he said, adding that the government is committed to purchasing new buses to ensure uninterrupted services under the scheme.