VIJAYAWADA: The State government’s ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme has crossed the milestone of 100 crore free bus journeys, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said, describing the achievement as a historic landmark. Launched on August 15 last year, the scheme has been receiving a strong response from women across the State.
An average of around 24 lakh women are using the free travel facility every day, indicating that the scheme has become an integral part of their daily lives, the Chief Minister said. The free bus travel facility has particularly benefited girl students, working women and those travelling for their daily livelihood. By reducing their commuting expenses, the scheme has enabled women to travel more freely for education, employment and other essential needs.
According to the Chief Minister, women have so far saved around Rs 3,550 crore through the scheme.
He said the government hoped that the money saved by women would be utilised for their children’s education, family requirements and their future. Naidu thanked women across the State for their support and patronage of the scheme.
He also congratulated the APSRTC management and its employees for their efforts in facilitating more than 100 crore free journeys. The Chief Minister said the milestone reflected the significant role played by the ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme in providing financial relief and greater mobility to women across Andhra Pradesh.
The ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme, one of the Super-6 schemes being implemented with commitment by the Chief Minister, is continuing successfully across the State.
APSRTC Chairman Konakalla Narayana Rao has conveyed his special appreciation to the APSRTC drivers, conductors, supervisors, officers and employees at all levels who are playing a vital role in the successful implementation of the ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme.
He appreciated the dedicated efforts of the APSRTC workforce in implementing the Government’s flagship welfare initiative responsibly and in providing better services to women passengers.
Despite the significant increase in the number of women passengers, APSRTC is giving special attention to proper bus operations, punctuality, passenger safety, service quality and management of services according to traffic demand.
