Inspired by Karnataka, Andhra Plans Free Bus Service for Women

Bengaluru: Karnataka Congress government's Shakti Scheme, which offers free ride to Women’s of the state in express buses is one of the key guarantees promised by the Congress party, the scheme which has not only garnered attention from women in Karnataka but also from the neighboring state of Andhra Pradesh. Before the elections, Chandrababu Naidu had promised free bus services for women in his manifesto. Consequently, today (January 3), Andhra Pradesh ministers sought information about the ongoing Shakti Scheme in Karnataka from officials and the state’s transport minister.

A team of three Andhra Pradesh ministers, led by Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, Women and Child Welfare Minister Gummidi Sandhya Rani,  and Transport Minister Ram Prasad Reddy, conducted a study. They visited the KSRTC depot in Shantinagar and inspected special buses. Additionally, they collected information regarding the criteria for free bus travel.

The delegation from Andhra Pradesh discussed the pros and cons of Karnataka's Shakti Scheme They also gathered details about the financial aspects of the scheme. Andhra Pradesh is contemplating implementing a similar free bus travel facility for women in their state, modeled after Karnataka. The collected information will be presented to Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu.