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Andhra’s Stree Shakti Scheme Crosses 100 Crore Free Bus Trips
Andhra Pradesh has a program called Stree Shakti that lets women ride some buses for free.
It began on August 15, 2025.
By October 5, 2026, women had taken more than 100 crore free trips through the program.
APSRTC says about 24 lakh women use the free rides each day.
The program has reportedly saved women an estimated Rs 3,500 in travel costs.
Officials say the savings can help women travel for work, school, medical care, and everyday needs.
The state government pays APSRTC to provide the rides.
APSRTC says it plans to continue the scheme.
Andhra Pradesh’s Stree Shakti scheme passed 100 crore free journeys by women as of October 5, 2026.
Launched on August 15, 2025, the scheme offers women free travel on select APSRTC bus services.
APSRTC reported average daily ridership of around 24 lakh women passengers.
The press release estimated that the scheme has saved women Rs 3,500 in travel costs.
The state pays APSRTC Rs 160 crore monthly; the reports say Rs 2,160 crore had been released up to August 2026.
- Who
- Women using select Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation bus services; the scheme was launched by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
- What
- The Stree Shakti free-travel scheme crossed 100 crore journeys.
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh, India.
- When
- The milestone was reached by October 5, 2026; APSRTC announced it on October 6.
- Why
- The scheme provides free bus travel for women and is intended to reduce travel costs and support access to everyday needs.
Key facts
- Scheme
- Stree Shakti
- Journeys
- More than 100 crore as of October 5, 2026
- Average daily ridership
- Around 24 lakh women passengers
- Launch date
- August 15, 2025
- Services covered
- Select APSRTC bus services
- Monthly state payment
- Rs 160 crore to APSRTC
- Funding released
- The reports state Rs 2,160 crore had been released up to August 2026
Quotes
APSRTC official press release
An official press release from Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation.
“As of October 5, 2026, the number of free journeys undertaken by women under the scheme (Stree Shakti) has crossed the historic milestone of 100 crore. At present, an average of around 24 lakh women passengers are travelling free of cost every day under the scheme.”
theprint.in
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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