Stree Shakti Scheme crosses 40 crore riders, says transport minister Ram Prasad Reddy

Vijayawada: Transport minister Mandipalli Ram Prasad Reddy said a total of 40 crore women passengers availed the Stree Shakti scheme since it was launched by the TDP-led NDA coalition govt on Aug 15, 2025, in the state. Despite AP launching the free bus travel scheme for women late compared with the neighbouring states, the Stree Shakti scheme was a resounding success among all the welfare schemes implemented by the state govt in the last 18 years, the transport minister said.Addressing a review meeting with the operational and administrative department heads of APSRTC, held at RTC headquarters in Vijayawada on Wednesday, Ram Prasad Reddy observed that several positive changes took place in APSRTC after the formation of the coalition govt. Promotions were granted to employees, alternative employment was provided to 51 medically unfit employees, and out of 682 medically unfit employees, 200 attended screening, of whom 149 were extended financial assistance.Expressing confidence that APSRTC is now back on track, Ram Prasad Reddy stated that 750 swanky e-buses will soon be inducted into the RTC's fleet. He noted that the RTC will henceforth procure only electric buses and that AC facilities will be introduced even in Palle Velugu services in a phased manner.During the review meeting, the RTC officials explained to the transport minister that RTC MD Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao said APSRTC generated a whopping Rs 200 crore in non-ticketing revenue through cargo services over the last 12 months.Later, the transport minister and the RTC MD inaugurated the Modernised Cargo Delivery Point and Cargo Office at Vijayawada Bus Station.