Wed Mar 19 14:42:21 UTC 2025: ## Telangana Allocates ₹4,305 Crore to State Transport Corporation, Despite Union Concerns
**Hyderabad, March 19, 2025** – The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) has received a ₹4,305 crore allocation in the state budget, a move lauded by the government but criticized by some unions as insufficient. The budget highlights the success of the Mahalaxmi Scheme, which provides free bus rides to women and transgenders. The scheme, the government claims, has facilitated 149.63 crore free trips on 7,227 buses, resulting in savings of ₹5,005.95 crore.
A significant portion of the allocation – ₹3,082.53 crore – is specifically earmarked for the Mahalaxmi Scheme. While the government celebrates a jump in bus occupancy from 69% to 94% due to the scheme, with some routes reaching 100% occupancy, unions like the Staff and Workers Federation express concerns. They argue the allocation is inadequate, particularly given the lack of funds for bus pass reimbursements and insufficient subsidies for student bus passes. The union also criticizes the reliance on funds drawn from other departments and the ST and ST sub-plan.
The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the creation of 6,400 additional jobs within the TGSRTC as a positive development, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting the corporation and the scheme’s continued operation. However, the union’s concerns underscore a continuing debate over the financial sustainability and equitable resource allocation within the state’s public transport system.
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