Stree Shakti Scheme: Over 4 Crore Women Benefit from Free Bus Travel

The Stree Shakti scheme has witnessed a massive surge in participation across the Rayalaseema region, as women commuters increasingly utilize the initiative for free bus travel. Over the past nine months, local transport officials have reported unprecedented ridership figures, reflecting the significant impact of this mobility project on daily life for residents in Kurnool, Kadapa, and Nandyal.

In these three districts combined, more than four crore women have benefited from the complimentary travel services since the launch of the program. The total expenditure associated with providing this free transit to women passengers during this period has surpassed Rs 350 crore, underscoring the scale of government investment in public transportation accessibility.

Rapid Adoption of the Stree Shakti Scheme

Nandyal district has distinguished itself as a frontrunner under the Stree Shakti scheme. From the program's official inauguration on August 15, 2025, through May 31, 2026, the district recorded nearly 1.71 crore women passengers traveling without cost. The financial allocation for this specific region is estimated at approximately Rs 111.50 crore.

Neighboring areas have also shown robust engagement with the service. Kurnool district reported roughly 1.29 crore women passengers, with the operational cost reaching Rs 58.36 crore. On average, the APSRTC bus fleet in Kurnool covers 1.52 lakh kilometers daily, serving a daily passenger base of nearly 3.16 lakh people. Regional transport officials noted a substantial increase in overall occupancy ratios, largely driven by the influx of female travelers.

Similarly, Kadapa district, which occupies a strategic position connecting major cities like Tirupati, Anantapur, and Kurnool, recorded 1.38 crore women travelers. The expenditure for the district was estimated at Rs 98.36 crore over the nine-month window. Staff operating APSRTC express services have frequently reported high demand, noting that vehicles are often near maximum capacity.

The upward trend in ridership reached its peak during the summer months of April and May, accounting for roughly 30 percent of the total volume recorded. This surge is partly attributed to the seasonal rise in religious tourism. Many women have utilized the free transport facility to visit prominent pilgrimage destinations, including Tirupati, Mahanandi, Srisailam, Yaganti, and Ahobilam.

Currently, more than 1,300 buses, including various hired vehicles, are in active service across these three districts. According to transport authorities, the network has consistently maintained over 90 percent occupancy rates during the recent two-month period, demonstrating the widespread and enduring impact of the Stree Shakti scheme on regional mobility.