Free Travel in AC Buses Too...Another Major Announcement

Andhra Pradesh Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy announced that the free travel scheme for women will also be extended to AC electric buses. These buses will be operated in rural areas similar to Palle Velugu services. The government plans to induct 5,210 buses into APSRTC by 2029, while the entire fleet is expected to become electric and CNG-based by 2031.

The minister said that the Stree Shakti scheme has recorded 73.62 crore free journeys so far, with the state government spending ₹8.50 crore every day as subsidy. The Divyanga Shakti scheme has facilitated 38.22 lakh journeys. Following the implementation of these welfare schemes, bus occupancy has increased significantly from 69 percent to 92 percent.

The Centre has sanctioned 1,000 electric buses to the state, while 8,321 electric buses will be introduced in phases over the next five years under the GCC model. Under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme, 750 electric buses have been allotted to 12 depots in 11 cities and will begin operations from August. An additional 300 e-buses have been sanctioned for Tirupati, and the government clarified that RTC lands and depots will remain under APSRTC control.