Vamshi
The government of Andhra Pradesh, led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, is preparing to launch a new scheme that will allow women to travel for free on state buses. This program is part of the promises made during the recent elections and will begin on August 15, 2024.
Review Meeting Today
Chief Minister Naidu is holding a review meeting today with officials from the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) and the Transport Department. The meeting will focus on the final details of how the free bus travel scheme will be implemented. The government has studied similar programs in other states, such as Telangana and Karnataka, to learn how to make this scheme successful.
How the Scheme Will Work
The free bus travel scheme will first be available on certain types of buses, like the Palle Velugu buses and city buses in big cities like Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. These buses were chosen because they are widely used by women who rely on public transport for their daily activities.
Financial Impact
Running this scheme is expected to cost the government a lot of money, about 250 crore rupees every month. The APSRTC is getting ready to handle this cost, as well as an expected increase in the number of passengers. The government believes that more women will start using buses once the scheme is in place, which could raise the current bus occupancy rate from 70% to 90%.
Benefits for Women
This scheme is designed to help women by making it easier and cheaper for them to get around. By reducing their travel costs, the government hopes to improve the lives of women, especially those from low-income families. This could also encourage more women to go to work, attend school, and participate in social activities, helping to promote gender equality in the state.
Conclusion
The free bus travel scheme for women in Andhra Pradesh is a significant step toward improving public services and supporting women in the state. With the launch set for August 15, 2024, this program aims to make daily life easier for women and help them participate more fully in society. As the state prepares to roll out this new scheme, many are hopeful that it will be a success and serve as a model for other states to follow.
