24.05 crore women get facility of zero ticket on RTC buses

Hyderabad: The Mahalakshmi scheme has become a boon for women in Telangana. According to officials, sofar about 24.05 crore women have availed the facility of zero ticket in RTC buses.

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy launched the Mahalakshmi scheme on December 9, 2023, allowing women to travel free on Telangana State Road Transport (TSRTC) operated non-luxury buses anywhere in the Telangana State.

On an average 26.99 lakh women availed free bus facility daily in December 2023. The number of women travellers has increased to 28.10 lakhs daily in January 2024 while it rose to 30.56 lakhs daily in February.

While many hail the government’s decision as a substantial saving for middle class and poor families who rely heavily on public transport, it is equally beneficial for the jobless and a safer option for those returning home late than taking a share-hire taxi.            

Moreover, the scheme has come as a boon for working women, including government employees as they can now save money that they used to spend on commuting to office. 

The scheme has indeed been a game changer.  Barely three months after its launch, the scheme has helped women in multiple ways – more savings, better mobility and access to education, healthcare, employment and other essential services.  It has increased work participation by way of lesser dependence on family members for transportation and wider social networks.