The Telangana Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) has provided free transportation to approximately 2.5 crore women during the Sankranti season from January 10 to 18. This scheme has brought financial freedom to women.
In December 2023, the State government launched the Mahalakshmi scheme, which allows women and transgender people to travel for free on State-run buses. There are no restrictions on the number of trips per day or month. Many women have benefited from this scheme and have been using the buses especially during the festive season.
During the festive season, about 29 lakh women choose to travel by public transport to visit their hometowns and return. The TSRTC operates an average of 4,484 buses daily, but during Sankranti, this increased to 6,260 buses based on the needs of different areas.
Since the launch of the free bus service, the percentage of women using TSRTC buses for their daily commute has increased from 52% to 81%. A survey conducted by the Helping Hand Foundation showed that half of the increase in bus travel was for medical purposes.
The surveys also revealed that nearly half of the women, around 15%, are now using the free bus services to access free public health facilities. This has led to an increase in outpatient visits to government hospitals and health centers.
The report suggests that the twin benefits of free transportation and access to healthcare will have a positive impact on marginalized women and their families. The savings from free transport can be used for paying school fees, improving food security, and other needs.
In conclusion, the TSRTC’s free transportation scheme has provided financial freedom to women and has led to increased bus usage for medical purposes. The savings from this scheme can improve various aspects of marginalized women’s lives.
