Telangana to Introduce Mahalakshmi Cards for Women Bus Passengers: Deputy CM Bhatti

Hyderabad, Dec 2025 : The Telangana government will soon begin issuing special Mahalakshmi cards to every female bus passenger across the state, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka announced on Monday, December 22. The initiative is aimed at streamlining and strengthening the state’s flagship free bus travel scheme for women, which has witnessed unprecedented usage since its launch.

Speaking alongside Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar Reddy at Praja Bhavan in Hyderabad, Bhatti said the free travel programme, introduced on December 9, 2023, has already enabled nearly 255 crore bus journeys by women passengers across Telangana. He described the response to the scheme as overwhelming and said it reflects the government’s commitment to women’s welfare and inclusive mobility.

The Deputy Chief Minister also highlighted significant financial improvements in the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) following sustained government support. He said TGSRTC’s outstanding dues have been reduced substantially, from ₹1,400 crore to ₹660 crore. Similarly, dues related to the Contributory Commutation Scheme (CCS) have come down from ₹600 crore to ₹373 crore, easing the financial burden on the transport corporation and strengthening its operational stability.

Outlining future plans to modernise public transport, Bhatti announced that the state government is preparing to introduce 2,800 electric buses in Hyderabad, along with 100 electric buses each in Nizamabad and Warangal. These buses will be deployed under the PM e-DRIVE initiative and are expected to significantly reduce emissions while improving commuter comfort and efficiency.

Beyond transport, the Deputy Chief Minister detailed several welfare measures being implemented by the government. He said ₹152 crore has been released to cover rent, mess, and cosmetic expenses for Gurukul educational institutions. In addition, approval has been granted for the establishment of 100 integrated schools across the state to strengthen the education infrastructure.

Bhatti assured that textbooks, uniforms, and shoes will be distributed to students well before the commencement of the upcoming academic year, ensuring a smooth start for learners. He also announced that free electricity bills will be issued every month to Rajaka and Nai Brahmin families engaged in traditional occupations, providing much-needed relief to these communities.

Meanwhile, TGSRTC recently reported that 118.78 crore women and transgender passengers have availed themselves of its services since the launch of the free travel scheme. This surge has pushed occupancy levels from 70 per cent to an impressive 105 per cent, underscoring the transformative impact of the initiative on public transport usage in Telangana.