Telangana’s Maha Lakshmi Scheme Crosses 200 Crore Free Rides: Grand Celebrations Across the State on July 23
Hyderabad, July 22, 2025 – (By Sunil Veer) – In a major milestone for Telangana’s flagship welfare initiative, the Maha Lakshmi Scheme has officially crossed 200 crore free bus rides for women passengers, a feat achieved within just over seven months since its launch on December 9, 2023. This landmark is being hailed as a transformative step in public transportation and women’s empowerment under the leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
To commemorate this historic achievement, statewide celebrations have been scheduled for July 23 (Wednesday) across all 97 TSRTC depots and 341 major bus stations in Telangana. The festivities will be held in accordance with instructions issued by Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar.
Key Milestones of the Maha Lakshmi Scheme:
- The Telangana government has released over ₹6,700 crore to the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) to reimburse expenses incurred through the free travel scheme for women.
- The scheme has been instrumental in empowering women from all walks of life — including students, teachers, Anganwadi workers, daily wage earners, domestic workers, and street vendors — by saving them an estimated ₹4,000 to ₹5,000 per month in transportation costs.
- With a surge in passenger numbers, the initiative has revitalized TSRTC services, prompting the addition of new buses and improved frequency on high-demand routes to accommodate the increased footfall.
Minister Ponnam Prabhakar’s Statement:
Speaking on the occasion, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar lauded the tireless efforts of RTC employees — including drivers, conductors, officers, mechanics, and ground staff — in making the Maha Lakshmi Scheme a resounding success.
“The dedication of our TSRTC staff has been key to achieving this milestone. The government remains fully committed to ensuring safe, accessible, and affordable transport for women across Telangana. We will continue to strengthen the RTC and modernize public transport services,” the minister said.
Grand Celebrations on July 23:
As part of the commemorative events, TSRTC has issued guidelines for organizing festive activities across the state. Highlights of the celebrations include:
- Decorative displays and banners at all depots and bus stations showcasing the success of the scheme.
- Special events and public meetings featuring Ministers, MPs, MLAs, Mayors, and other local dignitaries.
- Testimonials from women passengers, sharing real-life stories on how the free travel scheme has positively impacted their lives and livelihoods.
- Honoring frequent women commuters with shawls, mementoes, and public recognition.
- Competitions for school and college students, including essay writing, rangoli, and painting, focusing on women’s empowerment and the impact of the Maha Lakshmi Scheme.
- Employee recognition ceremonies — felicitating five drivers, five conductors, and select depot staff at each center for their exceptional service.
A Symbol of Inclusive Governance:
This 200-crore ride milestone goes beyond statistics. It stands as a testament to Telangana’s commitment to gender equality, accessible public services, and people-centric governance. The Maha Lakshmi Scheme has not only uplifted thousands of women economically but also sparked a positive cultural shift in how public transport is perceived and utilized.
With celebrations set to unfold across Telangana, the state is poised to reflect on and rejoice in the success of a scheme that is changing lives—one ride at a time.
