Hyderabad: The Telangana transport department has officially greenlit the initiation of the 'Maha Lakshmi scheme' as of Friday, enabling women, girls of all ages, and transgender individuals domiciled in Telangana to avail themselves of free travel within Road Transport Corporation (RTC) buses.

According to the issued order, women, girls, and transgender individuals residing in Telangana can travel cost-free within the state's borders using Palle Velugu and Express buses starting December 9.

For inter-state Express and Palle Velugu buses, travel will be free up to the Telangana borders. The Telangana government will reimburse TSRTC for the fares that would have been collected based on the actual distance traveled by female passengers, as specified in the order issued by the Principal Secretary of the government.

RTC's average daily income stands at Rs 14 crore, with an annual revenue of Rs 2,500 crore from female passengers. With the implementation of this scheme, the government will need to provide an equivalent amount to the corporation, which is facing accumulated losses of Rs 6,000 crore.

Since VC Sajjanar took over as managing director in August 2021, the RTC has begun booking operational profits.

Earlier this year in May, following Congress's rise to power, a similar policy was implemented in the neighboring state of Karnataka.

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