AP: Free bus travel for women from Independence Day

The Andhra Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, will roll out its much-anticipated free bus travel scheme for women from August 15, 2025, coinciding with Independence Day.

Super six promise

This initiative is a key element of the Telugu Desam Party’s (TDP) ‘Super Six’ election promises aimed at promoting women’s mobility and economic empowerment across the state.

The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) is preparing for statewide implementation of the scheme, allowing women to travel free of cost on non-premium APSRTC services such as Palle Velugu, Express, City Ordinary, City Express, and Ultra Deluxe buses without any route restrictions. To access the benefit, women must present a valid Central or State government-issued ID. In an effort to ensure transparency, APSRTC will issue ‘Zero Fare Tickets’ that display route details, the fare saved, and the government subsidy.

Estimates suggest that annual female passenger trips could rise from 430.6 million to 889 million. To meet the increased demand, APSRTC plans to induct 2,536 new electric air-conditioned buses, backed by a Rs 996 crore investment. The Chief Minister has also mandated that all new buses be electric, with plans to explore cost-cutting technologies such as battery swapping and converting diesel buses to electric to reduce environmental and financial strain.

Financial concerns

Despite its ambitious vision, the scheme poses a significant financial challenge. APSRTC, already burdened by accumulated losses, is expected to incur a daily revenue loss of Rs 4 crore, which translates to Rs 120 crore monthly and an estimated Rs 3,500 crore annually. Comparable schemes in Karnataka and Telangana have placed heavy burdens on their respective transport corporations. Karnataka’s ‘Shakti’ scheme, for instance, is reported to have created a Rs 6,000 crore deficit.

Still, Chief Minister Naidu has remained resolute, urging officials to find alternative revenue streams and reduce operational costs while fulfilling electoral commitments. “Every single rupee is valuable, but promises made to the people must be kept,” he said during a recent review meeting. Naidu envisions the scheme as a benchmark for women’s welfare and a step toward Andhra Pradesh’s environmental goals, including the adoption of electric vehicles and waste-to-energy projects.

Public response to the scheme has been mixed. While many women have welcomed the initiative, citing its potential to ease financial burdens for working-class commuters such as vendors, laborers, and students, opposition parties have criticized the rollout. The Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) and the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) have questioned delays and alleged inconsistencies, including earlier reports suggesting that the scheme would be limited to intra-district travel. APCC president Y. S. Sharmila pointed to the faster implementation timelines in Telangana and Karnataka, questioning the need for extended studies.

To address operational needs, a ministerial panel led by Transport Minister M. Ramprasad Reddy recently studied similar schemes in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. Their report highlighted the need for additional buses and staff. Karnataka’s experience, for example, necessitated 2,000 additional buses and 9,000 new employees. APSRTC is also working to improve infrastructure at bus stations, including sanitation, drinking water, and real-time information systems. As the launch date approaches, final guidelines are being drafted, with more clarity expected following the next cabinet meeting. If successful, the scheme could mark a transformative shift in public transportation for women in Andhra Pradesh.