Stree Shakti is likely to cause ₹2,000 cr loss to RTC per year

The state-run Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) is expected to suffer a revenue loss of over ₹2,000 crore in ticket revenue if the 'Free Bus Travel' scheme for women under the Stree Shakti Scheme is implemented.

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ Vijayawada

According to APSRTC Vice Chairman and Managing Director (VC & MD) Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, the corporation is set to incur an estimated annual loss of ₹2,000 crore, or ₹165 crore per month. However, the State government has agreed to reimburse the lost revenue to the corporation based on zero-fare ticket claims.

The State government has issued directives to implement the Free Bus Travel scheme for women under the Stree Shakti Scheme starting from August 15. The scheme was promised by the TDP during the elections last year. According to the order issued by Principal Secretary (Transport) Kantilal Dande, the scheme will be implemented in five categories across the state, and beneficiaries can avail free bus travel by displaying identity cards.