Latest news with #MahaLakshmi
United News of India
23-07-2025
- Business
- United News of India
Telangana celebrates 200 crore free rides under Maha Lakshmi scheme
Hyderabad, July 23 (UNI) In a major milestone for Telangana's flagship Maha Lakshmi free travel scheme, the state government today celebrated 200 crore free bus journeys made by women in RTC buses, resulting in an estimated Rs 6,680 crore in savings for passengers. Special programmes and public meetings were held at 97 RTC depots and 341 bus stations across Telangana to mark the achievement. In Hyderabad, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka participated in the celebrations held at MGBS, with Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and Komatireddy Venkata Reddy also in attendance. Speaking at the event, Deputy CM Vikramarka said the RTC had turned a corner since the launch of the Maha Lakshmi scheme on December 9, 2023, coinciding with the formation of the new government. 'Earlier, RTC was called a sinking boat. Today, it is a profit-making government institution,' he said. The state has so far paid Rs 6,680 crore to RTC to cover the fare for 200 crore women passengers. The Deputy CM added that the scheme has not only empowered women through free travel but has also boosted RTC's operations. 'Prior to the scheme, RTC's occupancy ratio stood at 62 per cent. Today, it has surged to 97 per cent. Daily passenger numbers have increased from 45 lakh to 65 lakh.' Highlighting efforts to make Hyderabad a pollution-free city, Vikramarka announced that RTC is transitioning its fleet to electric vehicles. Orders have been placed for 3,000 electric buses, and 11 per cent of these have already been delivered. The goal is to replace 2,800 buses in Hyderabad with electric ones. Since the scheme's launch, the government has purchased 2,400 new buses and introduced new policies through the Transport Department. Further empowering women, the government has enabled women's associations to own RTC buses through interest-free loans. 'We recently handed over cheques of Rs 1 crore each to women's groups who now own RTC buses. Petrol stations are also being set up by them,' he said. Minister Ponnam Prabhakar recalled the official launch of the scheme in the Legislative Assembly and congratulated women on completing 200 crore free journeys. He credited the dedication of RTC drivers and conductors for the successful implementation of the programme. Minister Komatireddy Venkata Reddy noted that the scheme was rolled out within two days of the government assuming office. He said, 'Women are now travelling freely wherever they wish, thanks to this revolutionary scheme. We are also investing heavily in road infrastructure to improve connectivity.' He added that starting next month, the government will begin work on double-lane roads from villages to mandal and district centres, as part of a Rs 20,000 crore road development plan aimed at transforming transportation in the state. The Maha Lakshmi scheme, designed to provide free travel for women on state-run buses, is now being hailed as a social and economic game-changer for Telangana. UNI VV RKM
The Hindu
22-07-2025
- The Hindu
RTC to celebrate 200 crore free tickets worth thousands of crores under Maha Lakshmi scheme: Ponnam Prabhakar
The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (RTC) has crossed a remarkable milestone under the Maha Lakshmi Scheme with 200 crore free tickets availed by the women who have been provided free bus travel by the government. Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar stated that women have saved an estimated ₹4,000 to ₹5,000 per month so far, and the government has already released ₹6,700 crore to the RTC for reimbursement of this free travel. 'This has ensured that the scheme runs smoothly without causing financial burden on the RTC,' he said. He stated that the government remains committed to protecting the interests of RTC, ensuring passenger safety and promoting employee welfare. 'Through this scheme, we are not just providing free travel but opening up opportunities for women from rural and remote areas to pursue employment, education, healthcare and entrepreneurship in cities,' the Minister said. Launched on December 9, 2023, the day the Congress assumed power, the Maha Lakshmi scheme was an election promise implemented from the first day itself. To mark this historic occasion, the Minister has called for grand celebrations and special programmes on Wednesday, at 97 RTC depots and 341 bus stations across Telangana. Mr. Prabhakar said the government has planned inspirational speeches by women beneficiaries from various walks of life, including vegetable vendors, employees, teachers, students, businesswomen, patients and pilgrims, sharing their personal experiences of how free travel has positively impacted their lives. Five best drivers, conductors, traffic guides and security personnel at each depot will be felicitated for their exceptional service and contribution to the success of the scheme, he said. Competitions for school and college students, such as essay writing, rangoli and painting on topics like Women Empowerment and Maha Lakshmi free travel scheme were being held and prizes would be awarded to the winners.
