AP Stree Shakti Scheme 2025 – ₹400 Crore Released for Women: Full Eligibility, Benefits & How to Avail
What Is the AP Stree Shakti Scheme (2025)?
- It’s a free bus travel scheme launched by the Andhra Pradesh government (APSRTC) for women, girls, and transgender persons.
- The scheme officially started on 15 August 2025.
- It covers five categories of APSRTC buses: Pallevelugu, Ultra Pallevelugu, City Ordinary, Express, and Metro Express.
- Around 74% of the APSRTC bus fleet (out of ~11,449 buses) is made available for the scheme.
- The government expects ~2.62 crore women to benefit.
What’s the ₹400 Crore About?
- The Andhra Pradesh government recently released ₹400 crore as additional funds for the Stree Shakti scheme.
- This amount is to reimburse APSRTC for the zero-fare tickets issued between 15 August 2025 and October 2025.
- The reimbursement was formalized via a government order (GO RT No. 593) issued by a senior official.
Who Is Eligible?
- Girls, women, and transgender persons who are domiciled in Andhra Pradesh.
- They need to present valid ID proof to avail of the zero-fare ticket. Acceptable IDs include Aadhaar, voter ID, ration card, or driving license.
- Excluded services: The scheme does not apply to non-stop services, interstate operations, chartered services, package tours, and more luxurious bus categories (e.g., AC or “Star Liner” services).
Key Benefits & Impact
- Huge uptake / strong demand
- In just four days, ~47 lakh women used the scheme.
- On one of those days, ~18 lakh women traveled in a single day.
- By mid-September (first month), more than 6.4 crore passenger trips were made under Stree Shakti.
- Financial savings for women
- In the first four days, the initiative saved women collectively around ₹19 crore.
- On one day, women saved more than ₹7 crore.
- Government commitment
- Transport Minister stated that the scheme is “not a burden” and pledged to expand it (e.g., with more electric buses).
- There are plans to introduce 750 electric AC buses, and eventually 2,500 electric buses in the next 4 years.
- Empowerment & mobility
- By removing transport cost barriers, the scheme aims to improve access for women to education, employment, and social mobility.
- This is part of a broader political promise (“Super Six” pledges) by the current government.
Challenges & Criticisms / Risks
- Sustainability: Even though ₹400 crore has been released, long-term funding will need to be consistent if the scheme is to be maintained.
- Overcrowding / capacity: With so many people using the service, there may be demand pressure. Indeed, APSRTC is considering adding more buses on some routes.
- Exclusion of some services: Not all bus types are covered – meaning not all women’s travel needs may be served (especially AC or premium services).
- Implementation complexity: Reimbursement, ticketing (zero-fare ticket issuance), and verifying eligibility require efficient systems and staff.
Government’s Perspective / Comments
- The Transport Minister called the scheme a responsibility, not a burden, and seemed very positive about its impact.
- The government considers this a key welfare initiative to directly benefit a large portion of the female population in Andhra Pradesh.
- They are also exploring future enhancements, such as using smart cards for women passengers to streamline identification and usage.
FAQs
1. What is the AP Stree Shakti Scheme 2025?
The AP Stree Shakti Scheme is a free bus travel initiative by the Andhra Pradesh government that allows women, girls, and transgender persons to travel free of cost in selected APSRTC buses.
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2. Who is eligible for the Stree Shakti Scheme?
Women, girls, and transgender individuals who are residents of Andhra Pradesh are eligible. A valid ID proof must be shown while traveling.
3. Which buses are covered under the scheme?
The scheme applies to five APSRTC bus categories:
Pallevelugu, Ultra Pallevelugu, City Ordinary, Express, and Metro Express.
4. What is the ₹400 crore released by the government for?
The ₹400 crore funds are released to reimburse APSRTC for free bus travel provided under the scheme and to support its smooth implementation.
5. Is registration required to avail free travel?
No. No registration or online application is needed. Passengers simply show valid ID proof and receive a zero-fare ticket.
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