The free bus travel for women under the Mahalakshmi scheme in Telangana had a great response on the first day. Many women, girls, and third genders took advantage of the free rides on state-run buses. Bus conductors of TSRTC allowed women travelers to board the buses soon after Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy launched the scheme. Even ace Indian Boxer, Nikath Zareen, traveled in a TSRTC bus after the launch.
Some women were not aware of the scheme’s launch, but many were eagerly waiting for their first free bus ride. They were excited that the bus service was finally available because it helped them with their mobility and reduced their expenses. However, they hope that TSRTC will increase the frequency of buses to further ease their problems.
At around 2 pm, nearly two dozen women were waiting at the Koti Bus stop. They knew about the scheme’s launch and brought their Aadhaar and other IDs, which are necessary for the free bus rides. They boarded RTC’s buses that go to various routes like Afzal Gunj, Chandrayanagutta, Mehdipatnam, Shaikpet, Madhapur, Kondapur, Lingampally, Secunderabad, Begumpet, and more.
One woman passenger expressed her joy, saying that she no longer has to worry about change and can simply hop on the bus and show her Aadhaar.
