2 days ago
Over 56,000 women to benefit from Stree Shakti initiative in Annamayya district, say RTC officials
The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) is fully geared to implement the State government's 'Stree Shakti'initiative in Annamayya district from August 15 (Friday) to mark the Independence Day celebrations. The initiative is in tune with a key election promise made by the coalition government to provide free travel to women in the State-run buses.
At present, the RTC officials in Rayachoti estimate that over 1.41 lakh passengers travel daily via corporation buses in the district. Of this, women passengers account for more than 40 per cent. The pro-women initiative would directly benefit 56,400 women, the officials said.
Expecting a huge surge in the women commuters, the officials have earmarked 480 buses out of the district's total fleet of 545, operating from Rayachoti, Rajampet, Pileru, Madanapalle-1, and Madanapalle-2 depots. The 480 buses include 363 Pallevelugu, 27 Ultra Pallevelugu, and 90 Express services.
The officials clarified that the women passengers must hold an aadhaar card linked to Andhra Pradesh State to avail travel free-of-cost, and those without aadhaar cards will have to purchase regular tickets.
Meanwhile, the RTC officials from Annamayya district, an area which is largely agrarian, believe that the initiative could result in a dip in their monthly income. Following the launch of the new initiative the monthly income could touch ₹45 lakh, and it might even cross the ₹60-lakh mark as more number of beneficiaries are expected to shift from private vehicles to the RTC, they added.
Regional Manager C. Ramu said that adequate staffing and operational measures are perfectly in place to maintain punctuality in services and prevent any inconvenience to other passengers. 'All arrangements have been completed for the scheme's successful launch. A detailed operational report has been sent to the headquarters,' he said.
