Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar stated in the Legislative Council that women availed 279.97 crore free bus trips under the Mahalakshmi scheme from December 9, 2023, to February 28, 2026. The government reimbursed large sums to TSRTC, and occupancy rates rose sharply.
On Wednesday, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar told the Legislative Council that women had availed 279.97 crore free bus trips under the Mahalakshmi scheme between December 9, 2023, and February 28, 2026. In response to a question, he said the government reimbursed ₹3,866.30 crore to the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) in 2024-25 and ₹2,913.82 crore up to February 26. Additional buses are being operated to meet rising demand, particularly during peak hours in rural and urban areas. Mr. Prabhakar noted the scheme was introduced within 48 hours of the government assuming office. Occupancy rose from 69% to 98%, significantly boosting women’s ridership. He criticised attempts to “indirectly oppose” the scheme, stating it enabled women to travel longer distances for employment. TGSRTC reduced its dues, including CCS arrears from ₹664 crore to ₹300 crore and provident fund liabilities from ₹1,350 crore to ₹600 crore. The corporation procured 2,708 new buses and introduced new routes. For worker welfare, 1,132 compassionate appointments were made, employees received ₹1 crore accident insurance cover, and a super speciality hospital is being developed in Tarnaka.
