Amaravati, February 18 Andhra Pradesh's flagship welfare scheme, "Stree Shakti," which offers free bus rides to women, has enabled more than four crore journeys in just eight months since its launch at a cost of Rs 1,500 crore.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said that so far, 4.29 crore journeys have been made through this welfare scheme.
"The 'Stree Shakti' free travel scheme has increased mobility among women. Secondly, it has given them self-confidence. So far, 4.29 crore journeys have been made," he said.
Naidu described this as an "extraordinary performance," adding that travel has increased.
Further, the CM said that the government is planning a major expansion of public transport, including the introduction of over 1,750 electric buses and 1,000 CNG buses in the next 18 months.
"Stree Shakti," part of the 'Super Six' set of welfare promises leading up to the 2024 polls, offers free rides across five categories of buses.
Transport Minister Ram Prasad Reddy said that the southern state is planning to provide more than 2,000 electric buses.
"In the next one and a half years, we will procure 1,000 CNG buses and 1,750 electric buses. This will serve the people of Andhra Pradesh," he told
According to the transport minister, the CM's motto is to strengthen the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC).
Further, he noted that Naidu wants every person, farmer and labourer to travel in air-conditioned buses from scratch to urban areas.
Joshna Priya, a beneficiary, highlighted that the money earlier spent on bus travel is now being used as pocket money.