In Hyderabad, the Maha Lakshmi free bus travel initiative for women, introduced by the Congress government, has garnered significant success. However, the surge in demand has brought attention to the inadequacy of vehicles in the TSRTC’s fleet. Telangana State Road Transport Corporation officials acknowledge the need to add more buses, especially on popular routes, and consider creating new routes based on demand. The decision to expand the fleet further hinges on a comprehensive study of travel patterns.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, TSRTC officials estimate that the fleet must surpass its pre-pandemic size to meet the escalating demand. Before the pandemic, TSRTC operated 10,460 buses from 97 depots across the state. Post lockdowns, operations resumed with a reduced number of buses due to low demand. The corporation rationalized services by discontinuing buses on low-occupancy routes and reducing frequency in areas with a sharp decline in passenger footfall.
Facing financial losses and grappling with the impact of increased diesel prices, TSRTC currently operates 8,000 buses. However, commuters are experiencing issues such as poor frequency and insufficient services on certain routes. The Maha Lakshmi scheme, while successful in boosting ridership, has intensified the need for more buses to meet the surging demand.
TSRTC officials recognize the imperative of augmenting the fleet to accommodate the increased footfall facilitated by the Maha Lakshmi scheme. However, they emphasize the importance of a thorough study to optimize the expansion and enhance overall transportation services.
About Maha Lakshmi Scheme
Telangana Mahalakshmi Scheme: The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) has introduced the “Maha Lakshmi Free Bus” initiative for women and the third gender in the state. The program, set to be inaugurated by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, offers women and the third gender a “Zero Ticket” based on acceptable identity cards indicating their residential address. There is no restriction on the distance women can travel, but the program is limited to interstate travel up to the borders of the states. For detailed information on the Telangana Free Bus Travel Scheme, including highlights, objectives, benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, application steps, and more, refer below.
Objective of the Telangana Mahalakshmi Scheme
- The main aim of the Mahalakshmi Scheme is to provide women in the state with diverse financial and social security advantages.
- Beneficiaries under this scheme will receive a monthly cash assistance of Rs 2,500.
- The initiative encompasses free bus transportation and the distribution of gas cylinders to women.
- Furthermore, the program aims to empower women to become self-reliant.
- It is designed to elevate the social standing of women in the state.
- With the implementation of this scheme, women in the state will no longer be dependent on others to meet their daily needs.
Required Documents for Mahalakshmi Scheme
Some of the crucial documents required for the scheme are as follows:
- Passport size photograph
- Aadhar card
- Residence certificate
- Income certificate
- Email ID
- Mobile number, etc
How to Apply for the Telangana Mahalakshmi Scheme
While the government has not specified a detailed application process or provided a dedicated website, the general steps to apply for the scheme are outlined below.
- Visit the official website of the scheme.
- The homepage of the website will be displayed on your screen.
- Navigate to the Telangana Mahalakshmi scheme section.
- Access the application form, which will appear on your screen.
- Complete the form by providing all the necessary details.
- Upload all the required documents as specified.
- Finally, submit the application by clicking on the designated button to conclude the application process.
Eligibility Criteria for Telangana Free Bus Travel scheme
Eligibility Requirements for Telangana Free Bus Travel Scheme Applicants for the scheme must meet the specified eligibility criteria, which include:
- It is expected that female ministers and MLAs will utilize the buses following the scheme’s launch.
- The free program is applicable to City Ordinary, Express, Metro Express, and Palle Velugu buses starting from Saturday afternoon.
- The service is open to all women who are citizens of the State, indicating that they must be residents of Telangana.
TSRTC Free bus Travel Updates:
VC Sajjanar, the Managing Director of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC), announced the issuance of complimentary tickets to women passengers starting from Friday. He urged all female travelers to obtain these zero tickets and collaborate with the organization. Sajjanar emphasized the necessity for women passengers to carry valid identification such as Aadhaar card, voter ID, or any proof of residence. Ensuring a seamless travel experience for women, Sajjanar acknowledged TSRTC officials for promptly updating the zero ticket software.