APSRTC Adds Tirumala Hill Route to Free Bus Travel Scheme for Women

In a big move to support women pilgrims, the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has now included the Tirumala hill route under the Stree Shakti Free Bus Travel Scheme. This means women can now travel from Tirupati to Tirumala without paying any bus fare.

Free travel for women to Tirumala

APSRTC confirmed that women can now use the free travel facility on all buses, including ordinary and express services, operating between Tirupati and Tirumala. However, this benefit will not be available for special services like Garuda, Indra, or AC category buses.

The scheme allows free bus travel for women within the state, and adding the Tirumala hill route is seen as a major relief for devotees. Many women travel to Tirumala every day to visit the famous Lord Venkateswara temple, and this decision will help them save money.

How the scheme works

Under the Stree Shakti Free Bus Travel Scheme, women can board APSRTC buses by simply showing their Aadhaar-linked identity proof. The government will reimburse APSRTC for the cost of their travel.

This scheme is already being used by lakhs of women across Andhra Pradesh, and now with the addition of Tirumala, the number is expected to increase further.

Boost for women devotees and tourism

The Tirumala hill route is one of the busiest routes in the state, with thousands of pilgrims traveling daily. Officials said that adding this route to the free travel scheme will not only benefit women devotees but also encourage more people to visit the temple town.

The decision is also expected to reduce the financial burden on families who travel regularly to Tirumala for religious purposes.

Key Highlights

• Free travel now available for women from Tirupati to Tirumala.
• Benefit applies to ordinary and express buses, not premium services.
• Women need to show valid Aadhaar-linked ID to avail the scheme.
• Expected to help lakhs of pilgrims and boost temple tourism.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Stree Shakti scheme in Andhra Pradesh?

The Stree Shakti scheme is a free bus travel program started by the Andhra Pradesh government for women and transgender passengers. It allows them to travel within the state without paying bus fares.

Does the Stree Shakti scheme cover Tirumala hill route now?

Yes, APSRTC has recently included the Tirumala hill route under the Stree Shakti scheme, which means women and transgender passengers can now travel for free on this route.

When was the Tirumala route included in the Stree Shakti free bus scheme?

The Tirumala hill route was included in the scheme on 20 August 2025, giving women free access to travel to Tirumala.

Who can benefit from the free bus travel scheme?

Women and transgender passengers who are residents of Andhra Pradesh can travel for free on APSRTC buses under the Stree Shakti scheme.

Does the free bus travel scheme apply to all types of buses?

The scheme applies to APSRTC-operated buses within the state, but premium categories like AC buses and certain long-distance express services may not be included.

How many people have used the Stree Shakti scheme so far?

According to official data, over 80 crore women passengers have already benefited from the scheme since its launch.

(Featured image taken from apsrtconline.in)