Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) Gears Up for Free Travel Scheme
Days ahead of the anticipated launch of free bus travel for women in Telangana by the Congress party, the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) has embarked on preparations for the smooth implementation of this initiative. The scheme, part of the six guarantees promised during the poll campaign, aims to provide cost-free travel for women across various bus categories operated by TSRTC.
Anticipated Cost and Scope of Implementation
- If implemented across both TSRTC Palle Velugu and Express buses, the estimated annual cost for the free bus travel for women scheme in Telangana is projected to be Rs 2,200 crore.
- If limited to the fleet of RTC buses under Palle Velugu, the cost is estimated to be around Rs 750 crore per year.
Active Involvement of Senior RTC Officials
- Senior RTC officials have been actively assessing the financial implications and viability of providing free bus services to women.
- A two-day visit to Karnataka, where a similar scheme is already operational, was organized to gain insights into the execution and operational aspects of the initiative.
Scheme Coverage and Operational Details
- The free bus travel for women scheme in Telangana covers all TSRTC services, including city, ordinary, and express bus services.
- Women can avail free bus services only within Telangana; travel to state borders, even if initiated within Telangana, will require the purchase of tickets.
- The TSRTC is exploring a reimbursement mechanism for free travel, with the government reimbursing based on the actual distance traveled by women.
Learning from Karnataka’s Shakti Scheme
- A team of TSRTC officials visited Karnataka to study the Shakti Scheme, which allows women in Karnataka to travel for free on non-premium buses within the state.
- Launched on June 11, the Shakti Scheme has benefited 38.69 crore women until August, incurring a cost of Rs 900 crore to the state exchequer.
- Technical constraints and operational issues have delayed the implementation of smart cards, which will serve as ID cards for women utilizing the scheme.
Current State of TSRTC
- As of 2023, TSRTC operates 9,233 buses covering various categories, including City Ordinary, Metro Express, Palle Velugu, Express, Deluxe, Super Luxury, and Luxury buses.
- The fleet covers 32 lakh km on 3,328 routes per day, transporting around 45 lakh passengers to Telangana and neighboring states.
- TSRTC, with nearly 50,000 personnel, including contract-based employees, has a daily collection exceeding Rs 13 crore.
The forthcoming implementation of the free bus travel for women scheme in Telangana reflects a significant step towards enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in public transportation, aligning with the broader goals of the government’s social initiatives. The detailed planning and learning from successful models in other states indicate a commitment to a seamless and effective execution of the scheme for the benefit of women commuters in Telangana. Stay tuned for further updates on this transformative initiative.
TSRTC sets the stage for a groundbreaking initiative! Anticipating an annual cost of Rs 2,200 crore, free bus travel for women in Telangana gains momentum, with insights drawn from Karnataka’s successful Shakti Scheme. Get ready for a transformative shift in public transportation accessibility!”
Source : telanganatoday
