Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka announced on Sunday that the Mahalakshmi scheme helped the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (RTC) achieve profits. The scheme, which provides free bus travel for women, led to 25.5 billion free journeys so far.
At a review meeting in Praja Bhavan, Bhatti said the initiative had strengthened RTC’s financial position. He described it as a major step for women’s empowerment. He met with officials from RTC and the BC Welfare Department to assess ongoing programs.
Bhatti directed officials to partner with the Centre for Good Governance to issue special identity cards for scheme beneficiaries. “These cards must reach every woman in Telangana,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister also shared key financial improvements. The government reduced RTC’s provident fund dues from ₹1,400 crore to ₹660 crore in two years. Similarly, it brought down cooperative credit society dues from ₹600 crore to ₹373 crore.
Electric buses and bus infrastructure expansion planned
Under the PM e-DRIVE program, Hyderabad will receive 2,800 electric buses. Bhatti instructed officials to set up charging stations and provide necessary support infrastructure. He added that 100 electric buses will soon operate in Nizamabad and Warangal.
He emphasized the state’s commitment to expand transport infrastructure. The government will help establish new depots and develop bus stations across Telangana. Bhatti also urged officials to identify additional revenue sources beyond state support.
Addressing welfare measures, Bhatti said the government increased cosmetic and mess charges for welfare hostel students by 200 percent. Officials now release these payments once every three months.
He also asked the Finance Secretary to ensure students receive uniforms, books, and shoes on the first day of the school year. Bhatti stressed that funds for these items should face no delays.
In the meeting, he directed monthly disbursement of electricity bill support for the Nai Brahmin and Rajaka community associations, ensuring there are no backlogs.
Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar sought urgent approvals from the finance department. He requested recruitment clearance for Assistant Traffic Manager posts and temporary appointments for conductor posts. The minister also proposed filling 50 percent of 3,233 conductor vacancies through regular recruitment until March 2026.
Additionally, he asked for permission to recruit Chief Accounts Officers and introduce user charges to resolve licensing delays. He recommended new vehicle procurement to strengthen enforcement and proposed tablets for better tax collection.