Introduction to the Stree Shakti Scheme
Women commuters in the Rayalaseema districts have seen a significant surge in numbers under the free bus travel scheme, with officials reporting unprecedented ridership over the past nine months. The scheme, which was launched on August 15, 2025, has enabled over four crore women passengers to travel for free across Kurnool, Kadapa, and Nandyal districts, with an expenditure exceeding Rs 350 crore. This initiative has been particularly successful in Nandyal district, where nearly 1.71 crore women passengers have availed of free travel.
Success in Nandyal District
Nandyal district has emerged as a frontrunner in the state under the Stree Shakti scheme, with approximately Rs 111.50 crore spent on the scheme from its launch to May 31, 2026. The high ridership in this district can be attributed to the increased mobility and accessibility provided to women. The scheme has not only benefited the passengers but also had a positive impact on the overall occupancy ratio in buses, which has increased substantially compared to earlier periods.
Impact on Other Districts
Kurnool district has also witnessed a significant rise in ridership, with about 1.29 crore women passengers traveling under the scheme at a cost of Rs 58.36 crore. On average, APSRTC buses in the district cover 1.52 lakh kilometers daily, carrying nearly 3.16 lakh passengers every day. Kadapa district, strategically located between Tirupati, Anantapur, and Kurnool, has reported high patronage, with around 1.38 crore women passengers traveling under the scheme during the last nine months, with an expenditure estimated at Rs 98.36 crore.
Passenger Experience
Passengers and APSRTC staff have noted the growing rush, with women passengers traveling in large numbers on all services.
“Women passengers are traveling in large numbers on all services. In many cases, even seats are not available,”
said CH Muneppa, a conductor on an APSRTC express service in Kurnool. The scheme has been particularly helpful for women visiting temples at Tirupati, Mahanandi, Srisailam, Yaganti, and Ahobilam, with nearly 30 percent of the total ridership recorded during the summer months of April and May alone.
Conclusion
Across Kurnool, Kadapa, and Nandyal districts, more than 1,300 buses, including hired vehicles, are currently in operation, with buses operating at over 90 percent occupancy during the past two months. As C. Gangabhavani from Pendlimarri in Kadapa district noted,
“I visited Mahanandi, Srisailam, and Yaganti this year using the free bus facility. It has been very helpful.”
The success of the Stree Shakti scheme is a testament to the positive impact of such initiatives on the lives of women in these districts.
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