Understanding the Vision for Women’s Free Bus Travel in Andhra Pradesh
Transport Minister M. Ramprasad Reddy is spearheading a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing public transportation options for women in Andhra Pradesh. In a recent interview with The Hindu, he articulated plans for a sustainable scheme that will allow women to travel for free on APSRTC buses, a move which he believes will empower and support countless passengers daily.
Details of the Free Bus Travel Scheme
Minister Ramprasad Reddy shared that careful planning is underway to ensure the successful implementation of this scheme. The initiative is estimated to cost the state around ₹4 crore daily and approximately ₹120 crore monthly. Currently, Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) services roughly 40 lakh passengers daily, and with an impressive 15 lakh women expected to benefit from the free travel option, the program is set to have a significant impact.
“We are determined to go ahead and put in place a robust mechanism after thoroughly studying the pros and cons,” he emphasized, highlighting the thoroughness with which the government plans to approach the launch.
Learning from Other States
To facilitate the successful execution of this scheme, the Andhra Pradesh government plans to send a delegation to study the existing free travel models in Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The minister mentioned the importance of understanding various factors such as beneficiary categorization, types of bus services to be included, and the feasibility of introducing separate buses exclusively for women.
This exploratory phase indicates a proactive approach to policy-making, ensuring the government learns from the experiences and challenges faced by neighboring states that have already implemented similar provisions.
Infrastructure and Fleet Expansion
Ramprasad Reddy acknowledged that the success of the scheme hinges on expanding the APSRTC fleet, which currently operates around 10,000 buses. The government has recently added 1,489 new buses to the roster, with brisk operations already reported in Kuppam, Rayachoti, and Visakhapatnam. The ambitious plan entails continuing to augment the fleet with an additional 150-200 buses every month to cater to the expected increase in passenger volume spurred by the free travel scheme.
A Shift Toward Sustainability: Electric Buses
Aligning with the broader vision for a sustainable future, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has proposed that all new additions to the APSRTC fleet should consist of electric buses over the next five years. This forward-thinking initiative comes as discussions are ongoing with notable electric bus manufacturers such as Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, and Olectra Greentech.
Minister Reddy noted that incorporating electric buses would not only reduce operating costs but would also enhance services in rural areas. Currently, APSRTC is operating around 100 electric buses on various routes, including popular pilgrim routes like Tirupati-Tirumala, demonstrating a practical commitment to innovation in public transport.
Addressing Challenges within APSRTC
Despite the promising advancements, the APSRTC faces numerous challenges that require urgent attention. A significant issue is the fund crunch that impacts service delivery. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the welfare of physically disabled workers, many of whom are limited to roles within depots. The Minister, reflecting on his past experience as an honorary president of the APSRTC employees’ union, has committed to addressing these labor issues and ensuring equitable pay and treatment for outsourced workers.
Committing to Safe and Efficient Transport
In his discussions, Reddy stressed the importance of establishing an “Accident-free A.P.”. He highlighted that road safety demands a multi-faceted approach, calling on Transport Department personnel to participate actively in road management and safety enhancement. This people-friendly approach aims at fostering a safer travel environment.
Moreover, the state is transitioning to a digital platform for issuing driving licenses and vehicle registration cards—a step towards streamlining processes, although there are plans to reintroduce physical cards for certain transactions, ensuring accessibility for all.
This initiative by the Andhra Pradesh government signals a significant step forward in enhancing women’s rights and mobility through public transport, while also promoting sustainability and safety on the roads. As they move forward, the government’s commitment to thorough planning and learning from others will be crucial to the scheme’s success, ensuring it meets the needs of its beneficiaries effectively.