---
title: "AP CM: Stree Shakti scheme advances women dignity"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/ap-stree-shakti-one-year-tsi9t
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Politics
published: 2026-08-15T15:02:25.414Z
modified: 2026-08-15T16:30:06.763Z
language: en-IN
---

# AP CM: Stree Shakti scheme advances women dignity

Andhra Pradesh marks the first anniversary of the Stree Shakti free bus travel scheme, with the Chief Minister highlighting its role in women empowerment and dignity. The event included a public bus trip with beneficiaries and reports of significant usage and impact.

## Key takeaways

- AP commemorated the first anniversary of the Stree Shakti free bus travel scheme.
- The Chief Minister described the scheme as a step toward women empowerment and dignity.
- Officials report high usage: 87 crore journeys and about 24 lakh women traveling daily.
- Daily government spending on the scheme is about ₹8.53 crore; total expenditure reported at ₹3,095 crore.
- Fleet coverage is 7,631 buses (76% of APSRTC’s fleet), with female travel rising to 62% from 40%.

## What Happened

The Andhra Pradesh government marked the first anniversary of the Stree Shakti free bus travel scheme, described by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu as a step toward women empowerment and dignity. The celebration, themed Stree Shakti Year – Double Dignity, included Naidu traveling by bus with women passengers from various districts, from the Parade Grounds to the CM’s Camp Office after Independence Day events. He interacted with the riders about their families, livelihoods and experiences with the scheme. Beneficiaries noted reduced travel costs and new opportunities, with specific examples cited by women: a fisherwoman saving about ₹4,000 a month and a woman from Nandyal saving about ₹1,500. A handloom worker mentioned using travel for procuring materials and marketing saris.

The scheme, launched on August 15, 2025, provides free bus travel for girls, women and transgender persons domiciled in Andhra Pradesh on five categories of APSRTC buses. Officials reported 87 crore journeys recorded, with 24 lakh women traveling daily. The government spends ₹8.53 crore per day on the scheme, bringing total expenditure to ₹3,095 crore so far. The scheme covers 7,631 APSRTC buses out of a fleet of 9,978 (about 76% of the total fleet). Women’s share of travel rose from 40% to 62%, and road accidents were reportedly down.

## Why It Matters

The numbers cited by officials suggest high utilization and a notable shift in travel patterns among women in the state, potentially influencing daily mobility, household finances, and access to markets and services. The reported drop in road accidents, if accurate, could indicate safety benefits associated with greater female mobility on public transport.

## Background

The scheme was introduced in August 2025 to provide free bus travel for specified female and transgender beneficiaries across APSRTC’s bus categories. By mid-2026, officials stated broad fleet coverage and rising female share of travel as part of the program’s observed effects.

## Key Facts

- Scheme: Free bus travel for girls, women and transgender persons domiciled in Andhra Pradesh on five APSRTC bus categories.
- Launch date: August 15, 2025.
- Anniversary event: August 15, 2026, marked as Stree Shakti Year – Double Dignity.
- Journeys recorded: 87 crore.
- Daily female travelers: 24 lakh.
- Daily expenditure by government: ₹8.53 crore.
- Total expenditure to date: ₹3,095 crore.
- Fleet coverage: 7,631 buses out of 9,978 (about 76%).
- Share of female travel: 40% to 62%.
- Reported safety impact: Road accidents declined.

## What Happens Next

The material does not specify future steps or scheduled changes beyond the anniversary report and ongoing fleet coverage figures.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/ap-stree-shakti-one-year-tsi9t
Reported from: Multiple Sources