Telangana allots 448 more rental buses to women’s groups: Minister Ponnam

In a major step toward strengthening women’s economic empowerment, the Telangana government has decided to allocate 448 additional TGSRTC rental buses to women’s self-help groups across the state. The announcement was made by Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, along with Minister Seethakka.

Currently, women’s federations in various mandals are successfully operating 152 rental buses for TGSRTC. Encouraged by the strong performance and steady income generated through this model, the government has approved a significant expansion. With the new allotment, the total number of buses operated by women’s groups will rise to around 600.

According to the minister, the purchase process for the new buses has already been completed. Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) CEO Divya Devarajan, in a letter to TGSRTC Managing Director Nagi Reddy, confirmed readiness to hand over the buses once formal approvals are issued.

The initiative is part of the government’s Indira Mahila Shakti scheme, which aims to provide stable income sources for rural women. Each bus is expected to generate an estimated ₹70,000 per month for the women’s groups managing them.

Minister Ponnam noted that these groups have been operating the buses with discipline and dedication, setting a strong example for community-led public transport management. He added that women are no longer just beneficiaries, they are becoming active stakeholders in public transportation, marking an important social shift.

The government said it intends to scale up the scheme even further in the future, giving more self-help groups opportunities to participate. Strengthening women’s incomes, the minister stated, will also strengthen rural economies and contribute to the state’s overall development.

He emphasized that the initiative is promoting self-reliance, confidence, and financial stability among women making it a significant milestone in Telangana’s development journey.