Mahalakshmi scheme provides ₹280 crore free bus trips for women

Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar told the Legislative Council on Wednesday that women have benefited from 279.97 crore free bus rides under the Mahalakshmi scheme between December 9, 2023 and February 28, 2026.

Replying to a question, Mr. Prabhakar said the government has refunded ₹ 3,866.30 crore to Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) in 2024-25 and ₹ 2,913.82 crore by February 26. To meet the increased demand, additional buses were operated, especially during peak hours in rural and urban areas.

Mr. Prabhakar reiterated that the plan was implemented within 48 hours of the government taking office. Touching upon occupancy, he stated that it had increased from 69% to 98%. This has significantly increased the number of female passengers, he added. He criticized attempts to “indirectly challenge” the plan, saying it enabled women to travel longer distances for employment.

The minister said TGSRTC has reduced its dues, including CCS dues, from ₹664 crore to ₹300 crore and provident fund liabilities from ₹1,350 crore to ₹600 crore. He added that 2 thousand 708 new buses were provided and new routes were put into service.

Touching upon measures taken for the welfare of workers, he said that as many as 1,132 compassionate appointments were made. Accident insurance cover of ₹ 1 crore has also been provided to employees, as well as the development of a super specialty hospital in Tarnaka.

Replying to another question, Mr. Prabhakar said that 37 Automated Testing Stations will be set up in district headquarters under complete government control and the State will join the Vahan platform from March 23 to increase transparency in services.