Free Bus Travel for Women in Andhra Pradesh: Stree Shakti Scheme Explained

Free bus travel for women in Andhra Pradesh has been launched under the Stree Shakti scheme for women and transgender individuals across APSRTC’s fleet. Learn who can avail, and where it applies.

On Independence Day 2025, the Government of Andhra Pradesh launched the Stree Shakti scheme, a flagship initiative providing free bus travel for women across the state.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, joined by Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, IT Minister Nara Lokesh, and BJP State President PVN Madhav, flagged off the program at PN Bus Station, Vijayawada.

The Stree Shakti scheme is expected to benefit around 2.62 crore women across the state. As of July 2025, APSRTC operates 11,449 buses in the state, out of which women have been allowed to travel free in 8,458 buses.

The APSRTC, in coordination with the Transport Department, has set up the required systems, including software support, to provide zero-fare tickets for women travellers.

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Who Can Avail the Free Bus Services?

The Stree Shakti scheme is open to:

• All women and girls residing in Andhra Pradesh
• Transgender persons with domicile status in Andhra Pradesh

What Documents Are Required To Avail The Free Bus Services?

To travel under the scheme, beneficiaries must present valid ID proof, such as:

• Voter ID
• Aadhaar
• Ration Card
• Driving License

Women can board the bus directly and present any one of the four valid documents to the conductor to access the free travel benefit. Only original documents will be accepted; photocopies or digital versions will not be considered valid.

Which Buses Are Covered?

Out of APSRTC’s total fleet of 11,449 buses, about 8,458 buses (74%) are included under Stree Shakti. Free travel is available on these buses:

• Pallevelugu
• Ultra Pallevelugu
• City Ordinary
• Express
• Metro Express

Free Travel for Women Doesn’t Apply to these Buses

• Non-stop interstate services
• Super Luxury, AC, and ghat road buses
• Contract carriage, chartered services, and package tours

How Many Will Benefit?

• Around 2.62 crore women in Andhra Pradesh are eligible
• The scheme benefits about 26.95 lakh passengers daily
• Monthly cost to the state: ₹162 crore
• Annual cost: ₹1,942 crore

Why Was the Scheme Introduced?

The government estimates that:

• Women travel by bus at least 4 times a week
• Working women use buses almost daily
• This results in personal transport costs of ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 per month

By removing this expense, the Stree Shakti scheme significantly reduces household financial burdens while improving access to education, employment, and healthcare.

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Beneficiaries across the state welcomed the move, calling it a timely initiative that combines both economic relief and social empowerment.

“I have to spend around ₹1,500 per month on buses from my home to my workplace. Now with the free scheme, I will be able to save that money. It will be a huge respite for me,” says Kinjarapu Jayanthi Reddy, a daily commuter.