Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka emphasized the success of the Maha Lakshmi scheme, which offers free bus travel to women across Telangana. Speaking at the inauguration of new electric buses at the Suryapet RTC depot, he revealed that zero-fare tickets worth Rs. 182 crore have been issued so far to female passengers on RTC buses statewide. Vikramarka assured that despite free travel for women, the government has reimbursed the RTC with Rs. 6,088 crore to maintain full operational capacity, enabling the corporation’s sustained services.
The event was attended by Zilla Parishad Chairman Gutta Sukhender Reddy, Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, and other officials.
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In a related development, the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) has implemented a significant hike in bus pass fares effective today. The monthly Ordinary Pass fare has increased from Rs. 1,150 to Rs. 1,400, while Metro Express and Metro Deluxe passes now cost Rs. 1,600 and Rs. 1,800 respectively, up from Rs. 1,300 and Rs. 1,450. Additionally, Green Metro AC pass fares within Greater Hyderabad have also been raised.
This fare revision has sparked discontent among daily commuters, especially employees and students who depend heavily on bus passes, as their monthly travel expenses are expected to increase by Rs. 250 to Rs. 400.