The state government of Hyderabad has launched the Mahalakshmi scheme, which allows women passengers to travel for free in state-owned transport corporation buses. This initiative has been well-received by women passengers, including senior citizens, who expressed their happiness. The scheme was announced by the Congress party on September 18 and is especially beneficial for working women who need to take multiple buses to reach their destination.
Women passengers have stated that the scheme will help them save around Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 per month. Pass holders also appreciate that they no longer have to go to bus depots to renew their passes and can save the money they used to spend on bus passes. However, they have requested an increase in the frequency of buses and the addition of more buses to the fleet.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy launched the scheme in the Assembly premises after the oath-taking ceremony of all MLAs. He dedicated this free travel scheme to Sonia Gandhi, considering her as an inspiration for women worldwide. The government aims to implement all six guarantees within the first 100 days.
Another scheme called Cheyuta was also launched, offering Rs 10 lakh medical insurance to Arogyasri card holders. Under the Mahalakshmi scheme, women are not issued tickets, and smart cards will soon be issued by the TSRTC. The number of passengers on each bus will be recorded in an electronic ticket machine by conductors.
The buses were flagged off from the Assembly by Ministers Seethakka, Konda Surekha, and Chief Secretary A Santhi Kumari. In districts, the buses were flagged off by collectors. Some Congress leaders even took selfies with passengers.
