AI SummaryAndhra Pradesh government's Stree Shakti scheme offers free bus travel to women, girls and transgender residents on APSRTC buses across the state. The scheme started on 15 August 2025 as one of the ruling coalition's Super Six promises and continues in the financial year 2026-27 with a dedicated budget of ₹1,420 crore.
The scheme covers ordinary city and rural buses, and in 2026 the state government extended free travel to air-conditioned (AC) electric buses. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announced the AC bus facility in September 2026, and APSRTC will add 5,120 new electric buses under the Gross Cost Contract model, in which the government keeps full control of bus ownership and scheduling.
By mid-June 2026, Stree Shakti had crossed 73.62 crore free trips, with a daily state subsidy of about ₹8.50 crore. Around 24 lakh women now travel free on APSRTC buses every day, and bus occupancy has climbed from 69% to 92% since the scheme started.
In November 2025, the Andhra Pradesh government released an additional ₹400 crore to APSRTC to clear pending fare dues from the scheme launch up to October. Transport Department Special Chief Secretary M.T. Krishna Babu issued the orders for this release.
The name Stree Shakti is also used for State Bank of India's national loan package for women entrepreneurs. SBI Stree Shakti Yojana is a separate loan scheme and has no connection with this AP bus travel scheme. Check the SBI Stree Shakti Yojana update for loan details. This article covers the Andhra Pradesh free bus travel scheme.
Main Benefits of AP Stree Shakti Scheme
The scheme is easy to use because it does not need any form, registration or pass. Women just board a covered bus, show ID proof and travel free. It also cuts daily travel costs, with expected savings of about ₹1,000 per month per family.
| Detail | Information |
| Scheme Name | Stree Shakti Scheme (Free Bus Travel for Women) |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| Launch Date | 15 August 2025 |
| Eligible People | Women, girls and transgender residents of Andhra Pradesh |
| Covered Bus Services | Pallevelugu, Ultra Pallevelugu, City Ordinary, Metro Express and Express |
| Application Mode | No form needed, show valid government photo ID |
| 2026-27 Budget | ₹1,420 crore |
| Official Website | APSRTC official website |
Eligibility and Covered Bus Services
All girls, women and transgender citizens domiciled in Andhra Pradesh can travel free if they carry a valid government photo ID such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID or similar document.
Free travel is allowed in five bus categories: Pallevelugu, Ultra Pallevelugu, City Ordinary, Metro Express and Express services. The facility is not available on non-stop, interstate, contract carriage, chartered or package tour services. Travel is permitted on enclave routes.
How to Travel Free Under the Scheme
There is no online application or registration process for free travel. The steps are simple.
STEP 1 - Board any covered APSRTC bus, such as Pallevelugu, City Ordinary, Metro Express or Express service, within the state.
STEP 2 - Show a valid government photo ID, like an Aadhaar or voter ID card, to the conductor when asked.
STEP 3 - Take the zero-fare ticket issued by the conductor and travel free to your destination anywhere inside Andhra Pradesh.
Recent Updates and 2026-27 Budget
A big update in 2026 is the extension of free travel to AC buses. In September 2026, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announced free AC bus travel for women, and 5,120 new electric buses are being added to the APSRTC fleet for this purpose. The buses will run under the Gross Cost Contract model, so there will be no privatization of the transport corporation.
The state has kept the budget support strong. For the financial year 2026-27, the government set aside ₹1,420 crore for Stree Shakti free bus travel. Apart from this, the government released an additional ₹400 crore in November 2025 to clear the payments due to APSRTC for the first two and a half months of the scheme.
FAQ's
Who can travel free under AP Stree Shakti scheme?
All girls, women and transgender citizens domiciled in Andhra Pradesh can travel free with a valid government photo ID.
Which buses are covered under the scheme?
Pallevelugu, Ultra Pallevelugu, City Ordinary, Metro Express and Express services are covered. Free travel is not allowed on non-stop, interstate, contract carriage, chartered or package tour buses.
Is there an application form for the scheme?
No. The scheme does not need any form, registration, pass or online application. Show a government photo ID to the conductor and take the zero-fare ticket.
Is Stree Shakti scheme still running?
Yes, the scheme continues in the financial year 2026-27 with a budget of ₹1,420 crore, and it has been expanded to AC electric buses in 2026.
For the latest official information, visit the APSRTC official Stree Shakti coverage page. A separate guide also explains Stree Shakti Scheme 2026: APSRTC Free Bus Travel for Women, and the full list of state programs is available on the Andhra Pradesh schemes list.