Hyderabad: Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar travelled by RTC bus from Duddeda Toll Gate to the Siddipet Collectorate in Karimnagar on Wednesday, receiving a warm response from fellow passengers during the journey.
The Minister interacted with commuters, particularly women, and enquired about their travel experiences and concerns. He expressed satisfaction with the free bus travel facility provided to women under the Maha Lakshmi scheme and noted that it is being widely used across the state.
He emphasised that a significant portion of the passengers on express buses from the Karimnagar depot are women and that the scheme is proving beneficial to them.
Minister Prabhakar stated that the state government is paying Rs 330 crores every month to the RTC to support the scheme and ensure quality public transport. He remarked that the previous government had weakened the RTC, but under the current administration, it has been revitalised.
He also pointed out that new buses have been purchased and that Telangana RTC is now setting an example for other states.
Many women passengers expressed their happiness, saying the scheme is helping them save money and allowing them to travel freely across the state.
The Minister also interacted with students, encouraging them to focus on their studies, and spoke with RTC drivers and conductors to understand their concerns.
Referring to a meeting held with JAC leaders the previous day, he reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving RTC-related issues.
He thanked the RTC employees for stepping back from their strike plans and ensuring that passengers did not face any inconvenience.
