Women in Andhra Pradesh will soon ride air-conditioned buses for free,Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy announced. It's part of the Stree Shakti scheme to boost public transport access for women statewide.
At Monday's press conference,Reddy laid out Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC)'s big plans to shift to electric buses . These air-conditioned buses will offer women zero-fare rides. A move to modernize public transport.
The government has a detailed plan for 2026-27. Aiming to transform transport with tech and sustainability. Goals include 100% digital services in Transport Department, fully operational Automated Driving Testing Centres, and better road safety. APSRTC to roll out 5,120 electric buses in stages, start CNG bus buys, and expand rural routes.
Reddy said the aim is making APSRTC India's most modern, safe,green public transport. He assured workers and unions electric buses won't mean APSRTC privatization. Special Chief Secretary, M.T . Krishna Babu, agreed,saying the goal is to strengthen APSRTC,not privatize it .
Under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model,used by many states, APSRTC will keep ownership and passenger services. Reddy said private partners will help with tech maintenance and charging, but APSRTC will manage drivers and operations.
No depots, assets,or jobs will be privatized,he stressed. Initially, manufacturers will support bus maintenance. APSRTC staff,including drivers and mechanics, will get special training to handle new tech.
Reddy promised staff their rights,job security, and benefits are safe with electric buses coming in. Existing employees will be trained to handle new tech, boosting their skills for future transport needs.
As state gears up for this shift, focus stays on passenger satisfaction, aiming for 98%. APSRTC's push for digital ticketing and more services looks to make public transport more efficient and user-friendly…
