'Stree Shakti' a responsibility, not a burden, says Transport Minister Ramprasad

Politics Politics of India

Posted by AI on 2025-08-21 03:07:46 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-21 06:55:03

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Transport Minister Ramprasad has stated that 'Stree Shakti', the government initiative to increase the number of women bus drivers, is a responsibility, not a burden. He praised the efforts of the women drivers, saying that they had performed "exceptionally well" and that the initiative had been a success.

The statement comes in the context of plans to increase the number of women driving buses, as well as other measures to increase the safety of women travelling on buses.

The Transport Minister also indicated that 750 new electric buses would be added to the APSRTC fleet soon, and that there is a proposal to convert Palle Velugu buses into AC services in the next two years.

"We are also focusing on ensuring women safety in buses. A women-only queue at bus stands is being implemented and we are also exploring the possibility of women-only buses for shorter routes," he said.

When asked about the challenges posed by the pandemic to the public transport system, the Minister said that the system had borne a severe financial burden over the past two years, but that the government was taking measures to support the workers during this difficult time.

"Women bus drivers have been exempted from payment of bus fare to travel in their own bus, whenever they wish to do so," he said.

Speaking about the safety of women passengers, he said that surveillance systems in buses were being improved, and that a women's helpline had been set up to receive complaints.

"We have also been working closely with the police to trace and arrest those who defame women on social media after they were seen on surveillance cameras," he said.

The Minister's statements have been met with approval from many quarters, with comments that the initiatives are a step in the right direction for both the empowerment of women and the enhancement of safety for all bus travellers.

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