Telangana’s ‘Mahalakshmi’ scheme, offering free bus travel for women, has driven the state-run Road Transport Corporation (RTC) bus occupancy to an impressive 97%, up from 60%, according to Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka. Speaking at an event celebrating the issuance of the 200th crore ‘zero ticket’ under the scheme, launched on December 9, 2023, he announced that RTC has returned to profitability due to this initiative.

The scheme has saved women passengers Rs 6,680 crore in travel costs, with the government reimbursing these amounts and pledging continued support. Daily ridership has surged from 45 lakh to 65 lakh passengers, Vikramarka noted. Under Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar’s leadership, RTC procured 2,400 new buses and implemented revenue-boosting strategies.

To combat Hyderabad’s rising pollution, diesel buses are being phased out, with 11% of the city’s fleet now battery-powered. Orders for 3,000 electric buses have been placed, with plans for 500 more. Additionally, the government is empowering women’s self-help groups (SHGs) by offering interest-free loans to buy buses for leasing to RTC, aiming to make one crore women financially independent. A special event to distribute these loan cheques is planned.

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Vikramarka also revealed that Rs 20,000 crore worth of road and building works, including new constructions and repairs, will enhance RTC travel safety and improve Telangana’s transport network.

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