Vamshi
The Mahalakshmi scheme in Telangana has made dynamic changes in public transportation by allowing free bus rides to women across the state. It was targeted to make the traveling of women easier and cheaper. Since its commencement, big increases in the number of women using public buses have been noted.
More Women Using Buses
The entry of more women into public buses started happening in Telangana soon after the ‘Mahalakshmi’ scheme was introduced. During the first 10 days of the scheme-from December 9 to 19-122 crore people availed the bus facility out of which 79 crores were women traveling free. As such, about 65% of all the passengers who traveled by buses during this period were women.
This increase in women passengers is especially noticeable in cities. For example, in Hyderabad, nearly half of the people taking the bus each day are now women. On some days, up to 10 lakh women have traveled by bus. In Hanumakonda, another city, around 82% of bus passengers are women, showing just how popular the scheme has become.
High Use in Different Areas
Various regions in Telangana are experiencing intensive utilization of the Mahalakshmi scheme. For instance, in the Greater Hyderabad region alone, 67% of all passengers using the bus are women. This is the highest proportion in the state-the participation of the passengers in other regions, such as Karimnagar, illustrates women constituting 67% of passengers as well. Therefore, free travel by bus for women is being utilized very extensively throughout Telangana.
Dealing with Challenges
The difficulties related to buses that were also being created as a result of the very heavy success in getting more use out of public buses by women: with the massive surge in the number of passengers, buses are getting more crowded, especially at peak hours. In a measure to ease this, TSRTC inducted more buses on popular routes. They are also coordinating bus schedules for better service to the increasing number of passengers.
The TSRTC has framed new timing rules for its staff to manage the overwhelming crowds and make all possible facilities for the passengers, especially women, use the services without any hazards.
Mahalakshmi has gone a long way in making public transportation for women in Telangana convenient and inexpensive. With increased passengers, there are some challenges, but the state government assured more buses to keep pace with the demand. By and large, the scheme is getting women around Telangana freer and safer.
