Women in AP will soon get free travel in AC buses, says transport minister

Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy said women in the state would be allowed to travel free in air-conditioned buses in the coming days.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of Monday’s press conference, the minister said that APSRTC plans to purchase only electric buses for its fleet, which will be air-conditioned vehicles in which women could travel under the Stree Shakti program without paying fares.

He said the government has prepared a comprehensive action plan to make 2026-27 a milestone year for technology, sustainability and expansion of public services in the transport sector. The key objectives included achieving 100% digital services in the transport department, fully operationalizing all Automated Test Centres, further improving road safety standards, increasing departmental revenue, phased introduction of 5,120 electric buses to APSRTC, commencement of procurement of CNG buses, expansion of bus services to rural areas, implementation of 100% digital ticketing system to 98%.

Mr. Reddy said the ultimate goal of the government was to further strengthen APSRTC as the most modern, safe and eco-friendly public transport system in India.

Transport Department Special Principal Secretary MT Krishna Babu clarified that employees and unions need not have any misconceptions about the introduction of electric buses.

He said the government’s aim was to strengthen APSRTC and there was absolutely no intention to privatize the organisation. Electric buses represent a new generation of public transport requiring specialized skills, modern charging infrastructure and advanced technical expertise, he said, explaining that in line with the central government’s policy, many states across India had implemented the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model and the central government was also supplying electric buses through joint tenders under the same framework.

RTC to maintain core services

He said that under this model, ownership rights and services to passengers remain under APSRTC, drivers continue to be managed by the corporation and planning, revenue management and operational supervision also remain under APSRTC. He said the private partners will only provide limited duties such as technical maintenance, maintenance support and management of the charging infrastructure.

He specified that no warehouse, property or job will be privatized. In the initial phase, maintenance will be carried out with the support of production companies. At the same time, APSRTC drivers, mechanics and technical staff undergo specialized training to acquire complete expertise in electric vehicle maintenance. “The long-term objective is to have full reliance on APSRTC to manage these services,” he said.

He assured the employees that the introduction of electric buses will not affect their rights, job security or service benefits. Existing drivers, conductors and other staff will undergo specialized training to adapt to new technologies and improve their skills.

Published – 23 Jun 2026 22:14 IST