Mahalakshmi scheme puts RTC on the path to profit: Deputy CM

Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka on Sunday said the Mahalakshmi free bus travel scheme has helped the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) move from losses towards financial stability and growth.

The Deputy CM chaired a review meeting at Praja Bhavan with officials from the RTC and Backward Classes Welfare departments to assess the progress of welfare schemes and development initiatives being implemented by the state government.

He said the government is committed to strengthening the RTC while ensuring the welfare of its employees. Highlighting the impact of the Mahalakshmi scheme, he noted that women in Telangana have already made around 255 crore free bus journeys, calling it a strong symbol of women’s empowerment.

To make free travel more convenient, Bhatti Vikramarka directed officials to introduce special smart cards for women passengers at the earliest. He suggested entering into an agreement with the Centre for Good Governance to support the implementation and ensure that every eligible woman benefits from the facility.

The Deputy CM also pointed out that since the formation of the present government, RTC dues have been significantly reduced. Provident Fund (PF) arrears have come down from ₹1,400 crore to ₹660 crore, while CCS dues were reduced from ₹600 crore to ₹373 crore, he said.

Emphasising eco-friendly transport, Bhatti Vikramarka said Telangana will soon receive 2,800 electric buses for Hyderabad under the PM e-Drive scheme, along with 100 electric buses each for Nizamabad and Warangal. He instructed officials to fast-track the installation of charging stations required for these buses.

The Deputy CM reiterated the government’s focus on Backward Classes welfare and directed officials to ensure that uniforms, textbooks and shoes are distributed to students well before the start of the academic year.

He also instructed that free electricity bills for traditional occupational communities such as Nai Brahmins and Rajakas should be released regularly without delay.

As part of reforms in the education sector, he said the government has approved 100 integrated schools and released ₹152 crore towards mess and cosmetic charges for gurukuls.

Bhatti Vikramarka said the Praja Government is steadily moving forward with a clear commitment to equality, empowerment and inclusive development. Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and senior officials were present at the meeting.