Hyderabad: On Wednesday, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka shared that the government has been regularly compensating the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) for free tickets issued under the Mahalakshmi scheme. This initiative has greatly improved the Corporation’s finances. During a celebration for reaching 200 crore free tickets, the Minister gave the Corporation a cheque for Rs 6,680 crore.
The event took place at the Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS), attended by Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and Komatireddy Venkat Reddy. They praised women using the Mahalakshmi scheme and applauded the hardworking RTC staff.
Bhatti Vikramarka mentioned that since the current government started, the Corporation has added 2,400 new buses. He also shared plans to acquire 2,800 electric buses to help make Hyderabad a pollution-free city. Currently, electric buses make up 11% of the fleet.
The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted that the scheme empowers women, allowing some to become bus owners, with full government support for the RTC.
Minister Ponnam Prabhakar congratulated RTC staff on the scheme’s success, noting its importance in women’s lives across the state. To celebrate 200 crore journeys, events will be held at 97 depots and 324 bus stations. He emphasized TGSRTC’s focus on better transport facilities and employee welfare.
Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy stated that the free travel initiative helps reduce costs for women and benefits the RTC.
TGSRTC Managing Director VC Sajjanar reported that the Mahalakshmi scheme is active in 7,913 buses, with 3.5 million women using them daily. The occupancy rate has increased from 69% to 97%. Sajjanar thanked the RTC staff for their crucial role in the scheme’s success.
The celebration was also attended by Special Principal Secretary of the Transport Department Vikas Raj, Hyderabad Collector Dasari Harichandan, and RTC executives Munishekhar, Khusroshah Khan, Rajasekhar, Venkanna, and Finance Advisor Vijayapushfa.
