Hyderabad: The Mahalakshmi free bus scheme helped women commuters save ₹10,000 crore, while they completed over 290 crore free journeys since its launch on December 9, 2023, according to Telangana State Road Transport Corporation.
Over nearly 28 months, the Mahalakshmi free bus scheme increased women’s reliance on public transport across Telangana. TGSRTC Vice Chairman and Managing Director Nagireddy said the initiative enabled monthly savings of ₹1,500 to ₹2,500, particularly for students and workers from middle and lower-income groups.
As a result, women retained a larger share of their earnings that would otherwise go toward travel. Moreover, officials said the ₹10,000 crore savings reflected a clear shift in financial independence among regular commuters.
Passenger data, meanwhile, showed a sharp rise in women’s ridership after implementation. The share of women passengers rose from 40% to over 67%. On average, about 35 lakh women travelled daily using RTC services.
Mahalakshmi free bus scheme expands access and tracking
To sustain operations, the State Government reimbursed TGSRTC for free tickets. Consequently, this support ensured continuity of services while it covered staff salaries and operational costs. Officials added that the arrangement stabilised the corporation despite higher passenger volumes.
Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said the government launched the scheme within 48 hours of forming the Praja Prabhutvam. Since then, he said, the Mahalakshmi free bus scheme strengthened women’s mobility across sectors. He also acknowledged the milestone of 290 crore trips and ₹10,000 crore in savings.
In addition, he credited TGSRTC employees for maintaining services under rising demand. He noted that improved mobility expanded access to employment, education, healthcare, and religious travel across districts.
To further streamline access, TGSRTC planned to introduce chip-based smart cards for women passengers. This move will remove the need for Aadhaar verification and simplify boarding. At the same time, officials said the system will improve data tracking and operational efficiency.
TGSRTC is deploying additional buses to meet rising demand. Currently, the scheme runs across nearly 81% of TGSRTC services, including Pallevelugu, District Express, City Ordinary, and City Metro Express categories.
Finally, the corporation stated that it remains committed to providing safe and accessible transport. It credited continued government backing and passenger participation for sustaining the scheme at scale.
🚍✨ A major leap for women’s empowerment
💰 ₹10,000 crore savings through the Mahalakshmi Scheme
The Mahalakshmi Free Bus Travel Scheme, inaugurated by Hon’ble CM Sri A. @revanth_anumula , is transforming the lives of women across Telangana.
👨💼 Under the leadership of HCM… pic.twitter.com/pZE0I6bwZQ
— IPRDepartment (@IPRTelangana) March 29, 2026