In a landmark initiative to empower women and enhance their mobility, the Government of Andhra Pradesh is set to launch the "Free Bus Travel for Women Scheme," officially named the "Stree Shakti Scheme," on August 15, 2025.
This program, aimed at providing zero-fare travel to women, girls, and transgender individuals across the state in select categories of buses operated by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC), reflects Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to gender equality and inclusive growth.
The scheme was formalized through Government Order (G.O.MS.No. 27) issued by the Transport, Roads & Buildings (PTD.I), following recommendations from a Group of Ministers (GoM) and inputs from the Commissioner of AP Public Transport Department.
The initiative builds on a series of deliberations and memos since October 2024, ensuring a well-planned rollout.
Key Features of the Stree Shakti Free Bus Travel Scheme
Eligibility Criteria and Beneficiary Details
- The scheme extends its benefits to all girls, women, and transgender individuals who hold domicile status in Andhra Pradesh.
- Beneficiaries must provide valid identity proof to avail of the free travel facility.
- This inclusive approach ensures that the scheme serves the broader spectrum of individuals who identify as women or belong to gender minorities.
- No income restrictions or complicated application process
- There is no cap on the number of trips per day for eligible passengers.
- Keep your Aadhaar card or voter ID handy while traveling to avoid any hassles.
Bus Categories Covered Under the Scheme
The free travel facility will be available across five specific categories of buses
- Pallevelugu services
- Ultra Pallevelugu services
- City Ordinary buses
- Metro Express services
- Express services
Service Limitations and Exclusions
While comprehensive, the scheme has defined boundaries. It does not apply to:
- Non-stop services of any category
- Interstate services
- Contract carriage and chartered services
- Package tours
- Saptagiri Express
- Premium services including Ultra Deluxe, Super Luxury, Star Liner, and all air-conditioned bus categories
Security Measures and Passenger Amenities
Recognizing that free travel must be coupled with safe travel, the government has prioritized women's security through several measures:
- Body-worn cameras for all women conductors
- Installation of CCTV cameras in all buses
- Improved public amenities at bus stations, including fans, seating, drinking water, and toilet facilities
Benefits and Impact of the Stree Shakti Scheme
For many women in Andhra Pradesh, a simple bus ride can open doors to new opportunities and greater independence.
According to the order signed by Kantilal Dande, Principal Secretary to Government, the Stree Shakti Scheme is more than just free transportation; it reflects the state’s commitment to empowering women and promoting financial inclusion.
By removing the cost of bus travel, the scheme aims to:
- Increase women's participation in the workforce
- Improve access to education and healthcare
- Enhance overall mobility and independence for women
- Reduce the daily travel expenses for families
How to Avail the Stree Shakti Free Bus Service
Availing the AP Stree Shakti Free Bus Travel Scheme is simple and requires no prior application or registration.
- Board any APSRTC bus covered under the scheme.
- Carry a valid government-issued photo ID showing Andhra Pradesh domicile.
- Show your ID to the conductor when requested.
- Collect the zero-fare ticket issued for record purposes.
- Enjoy your free ride with the provided safety measures and amenities.
Implementation Plan and Future Expansion
The government has adopted a phased approach, starting with the existing APSRTC fleet.
Based on passenger response and demand (overcrowding), additional buses will be procured and introduced to the system.
If passenger volumes grow significantly, the government plans to introduce electric buses, both to expand capacity and to promote cleaner transport. This approach ensures sustainable implementation while maintaining service quality.
Women passengers will be issued zero-fare tickets, with the government reimbursing APSRTC based on these ticket claims. This mechanism ensures proper accounting and tracking of the scheme’s utilization.
Continuous evaluation of service quality and passenger feedback will guide future improvements and potential expansion of free travel to new categories of services.
Stree Shakti Scheme Route Coverage and Government Strategy
For the Expected Challenge: Route Coverage in the Stree Shakti Scheme, the Andhra Pradesh government can handle it through a three-phase approach combining route planning, fleet expansion, and local coordination.
Data-Driven Route Planning
- Passenger Flow Analysis – Use APSRTC’s existing ticketing and GPS data to map current ridership patterns and identify underserved areas, especially in rural and tribal belts.
- Priority Route Identification – Rank routes by demand, social necessity (e.g., access to schools, markets, hospitals), and gender-specific travel needs.
Targeted Fleet Deployment
- Initial Phase – Use existing fleet capacity (6,700 buses under the scheme) to cover high-demand corridors first.
- Rural & Feeder Connectivity – Introduce feeder buses that connect smaller villages to main bus stations or highways, ensuring remote areas are linked to the network.
- Electric Bus Integration – Deploy the newly procured 3,000 electric buses (and 1,400 more over two years) strategically to strengthen weaker coverage zones without increasing pollution.
Dynamic Scheduling & Local Coordination
- Seasonal and Event-Based Adjustments – Increase frequency on routes during exam seasons, market days, and festival periods when women’s travel demand spikes.
- District-Level Committees – Involve District Collectors, local transport officials, and women’s welfare groups to recommend adjustments based on local realities.
- Real-Time Monitoring – Use GPS tracking to identify delays, overcrowding, or low-coverage zones and adjust schedules dynamically.
Public Feedback Mechanism
Community Surveys – Periodically collect feedback from women commuters to refine route planning.
Conclusion
The Stree Shakti Scheme is more than a free travel programme—it is a state-level commitment to women’s safety, dignity, and mobility.
With targeted service coverage, safety upgrades, and future plans for eco-friendly buses, the initiative seeks to redefine public transport as an inclusive, secure, and empowering space for all women and transgender citizens in Andhra Pradesh.
The launch date—India’s 79th Independence Day—symbolically links the scheme to the broader ideals of freedom and social justice, positioning Stree Shakti as a transformative public welfare measure for Andhra Pradesh.