The Andhra Pradesh government’s free bus travel scheme for women has come under sharp criticism, with many calling it impractical and filled with hidden restrictions.
Long, Tedious Journeys
Opponents allege that while the coalition government claims to have launched a welfare scheme, in reality women face huge difficulties.
For example, a woman from North Andhra wanting to visit Tirupati reportedly has to change ten buses and spend almost a day and a half on the road before reaching her destination.
Critics say this shows that instead of smooth, hassle-free travel in a single bus, the scheme has become a burdensome and exhausting journey.
Opposition Slams Conditions
YSR Congress Party’s state women’s wing president Varudu Kalyani accused the government of deceiving women by announcing free travel but attaching multiple conditions.
She said that restricting the scheme only to certain bus services has effectively cheated nearly 2.5 crore women across the state.
“Is it possible for women carrying luggage to change ten or fifteen buses just to go to Tirupati?” she questioned.
Special Flights vs Free Buses
The YSRCP has also targeted TDP leaders, alleging that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, and Minister Lokesh are moving around frequently in special flights, while failing to ensure that free buses run properly across the state.
“If you cut down on your flight expenses, free buses could run across Andhra Pradesh,” Varudu Kalyani remarked.
She further questioned how much is being spent on these special flights compared to the amount allocated for the women’s free bus scheme.
Limited to Few Services
Andhra Pradesh RTC runs 16 categories of bus services, but the government has extended the free scheme only to five types, leaving most routes uncovered. As a result, women in many areas are unable to avail the benefit.
Before the elections, the coalition government had promised women free travel to pilgrimage centres like Annavaram, Tirupati, Srikalahasti, and Kanipakam.
But after coming to power, critics allege, the government delayed implementation for 15 months and has now introduced a watered-down version with conditions.
Finally
What was projected as a landmark welfare scheme is now being criticised as an incomplete and misleading initiative.
Instead of relief, women say the scheme has turned their journeys into an exhausting ordeal, forcing them to change multiple buses for what should have been a straightforward trip.
