Andhra Pradesh's Stree Shakti scheme has completed its first year, recording 87 crore free bus rides for women. The state government has spent ₹3,095 crore in subsidies for this initiative, which has significantly boosted daily female ridership across the state's transport network.
The Stree Shakti scheme in Andhra Pradesh marked its first anniversary on August 15, 2026, reporting that 87 crore free bus journeys have been completed since its launch. This government-backed initiative provides free travel for women in five specific bus categories operated by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC).
The financial impact of this service is substantial. Over the last year, the state government has provided a subsidy of ₹3,095 crore to cover the cost of these free rides. On an average day, the government spends approximately ₹8.53 crore to support the scheme, which currently utilizes 76% of the state-owned transport corporation's fleet.
Operational Impact and Ridership Growth
The scheme has driven a significant change in travel patterns across the state. Before this initiative, average daily female ridership stood at roughly 9.47 lakh passengers. That number has climbed to 24 lakh daily users over the past year, with women now representing 62% of all passengers on the buses covered by the program.
While the initiative has improved accessibility, it has also created operational challenges for the transport body. With occupancy rates reaching 93% across the supported fleet, the high demand has led to reports of overcrowding. This high usage puts pressure on the corporation to consider expanding its fleet size to maintain service standards and passenger comfort.
Financial Monitorables for the State
For those following the state’s financial health, the scheme represents a recurring expenditure that requires consistent budget allocation. Because the transport corporation relies on state government reimbursement for the cost of these free tickets, the timely release of these funds is essential for maintaining liquidity. Any delays in government subsidy payments could potentially impact the operational flexibility of the transport body.
It is important to note that the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation is a state-owned entity and is not a publicly listed company on stock exchanges like the NSE or BSE. As a result, this development does not have a direct impact on public equity markets. Investors tracking the broader transport or infrastructure sector in the region may look at how the government manages the funding burden of such public welfare schemes alongside other development projects.