CM Naidu Travels With Women Beneficiaries in APSRTC Bus to Review Stree Shakti Scheme
Women beneficiaries tell Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister that free bus travel is helping them save money, access jobs and markets, and improve their economic independence.
AMARAVATI, AUGUST 16, 2026: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu travelled with women beneficiaries on an APSRTC Palle Velugu bus on Saturday, using the journey from the Independence Day celebrations at the Parade Grounds to his camp office to hear directly about the impact of the Stree Shakti free-travel scheme.
The interaction was held to mark the first anniversary of the scheme, with discussions focusing on its impact beyond free transportation, including household savings, employment, education and women's economic activity.
WHAT HAPPENED
During the journey, several women shared their experiences with the Chief Minister.
Maila Veera Veni, a fisherwoman from Kakinada, said the scheme was helping her save around ₹4,000 every month. She also discussed her health with Naidu, who enquired about her well-being and emphasised the importance of maintaining healthy habits.
Shaik Tabasum from Nandyal said she was saving approximately ₹1,500 a month because of the scheme. She also told the Chief Minister that she was benefiting from four government welfare programmes.
For P. Harshita, a B.Sc student from Anakapalli, improved mobility was the biggest advantage. She said the free bus service was particularly helpful for students travelling for education.
IMPACT ON WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS
The scheme's impact on women engaged in small businesses was also highlighted.
Baddela Suseela, a handloom weaver from Anantapur district, said free bus travel had made it easier for her to purchase raw materials and transport sarees to markets.
The examples presented during the interaction indicated that the scheme is being used not only for personal travel but also for education, employment and business activities.
KEY FIGURES
7,631: APSRTC buses covered by the scheme
76%: Approximate share of the corporation's fleet covered
24 lakh: Women using the facility every day
₹8.53 crore: Approximate daily subsidy expenditure
₹3,095 crore: Total expenditure reported so far
62%: Women's share of RTC occupancy after implementation
PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND ROAD SAFETY
Officials have also reported a decline in road accidents since the scheme was introduced, attributing part of the reduction to women shifting from unauthorised transport and other private modes of travel to APSRTC services.
Women's share of RTC occupancy has risen to 62%, indicating increased use of public transport by women.
SIGNIFICANCE OF STREE SHAKTI
The government has presented Stree Shakti as more than a transport subsidy, highlighting its potential to improve women's mobility, household savings and access to economic opportunities.
Naidu's interaction with beneficiaries was aimed at gathering first-hand feedback on how the programme is affecting women's daily lives.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
As the scheme enters its second year, its continued impact will depend on the government's ability to sustain the subsidy, maintain adequate bus services and respond to feedback from women beneficiaries across Andhra Pradesh.
