‘Stree Shakti’ is a responsibility, not a burden, says Transport Minister Ramprasad

Transport Minister M. Ramprasad on Wednesday said 750 new electric buses would be added in the fleet of the AP State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) soon.

Addressing the media at RTC House, the Minister said over the next four years, 2,500 electric buses would be introduced, while there was also a proposal to covert Palle Velugu (Rural) buses into AC services in the next two years.

Mr. Ramprasad said ‘Stree Shakti’ was a “responsibility, not a burden,” and informed that except Tirumala, free travel for women would apply on all ghat roads. He also assured that the inter-State border-related operational issues would be addressed within a week.

The Minister acknowledged reports of shortage of conductors and said steps were being taken to address the issue at the earliest possible time. He clarified that no complaints had been received about men facing inconvenience due to implementation of ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme.

He said going ahead, the government had plans to issue smart cards to women that would give unique identity to the beneficiaries of the free bus travel scheme.

Highlighting the scale of implementation, he revealed that about 65 lakh women had availed of free bus travel within six days of the scheme’s launch, costing the government nearly ₹25 crore, which had already been reimbursed to the APSRTC.

Addressing earlier criticism about restrictions on ghat road routes, he said those issues were resolved within hours.

APSRTC Chairman Konakalla Narayana, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Ch. Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, Vijayawada Zonal Chairman Appala Naidu Reddy, senior Executive Directors and other top officials were present.

Earlier, the Minister held a review meeting to take stock of the situation. He sought details from the officials about the steps being taken for the scheme’s effective implementation and directed them to ensure that women commuters across the State did not face any inconvenience. Mr. Ramprasad expressed satisfaction that the scheme was running successfully with the cooperation of the APSRTC.

The Minister also enquired about public feedback and responses reported in the media. He instructed officials to ensure there was no shortage of buses and to improve facilities at bus stations for the convenience of women passengers.