Mon Aug 18 10:03:43 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
The Hindu newspaper published an article on August 18, 2025, reporting on the successful launch of the “Stree Shakti” free bus travel scheme for women in Andhra Pradesh, India. Implemented on August 15th by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the scheme saw approximately 1.2 million women utilize the free bus service in the first 30 hours on five categories of APSRTC buses. Following a review, the Chief Minister directed officials to extend the free travel to ghat routes as well. The APSRTC is also working on simplifying the identification process for women passengers.
**News Article:**
**Andhra Pradesh’s “Stree Shakti” Scheme a Hit, 1.2 Million Women Avail Free Bus Travel**
*Vijayawada, August 18, 2025* – Andhra Pradesh’s newly launched “Stree Shakti” scheme, offering free bus travel to women across the state, has seen a remarkably positive response. In the first 30 hours since its implementation on August 15th by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, approximately 1.2 million women have taken advantage of the program on five categories of APSRTC buses.
The A.P. Transport department released the figures today, highlighting the popularity of the initiative. Following a review of the scheme’s initial performance on Monday, Chief Minister Naidu has instructed officials to expand the free travel facility to include ghat routes, further extending the benefits to women in more remote areas.
The APSRTC is also actively working to streamline the identification process for women passengers, aiming to make availing the service even easier. The “Stree Shakti” scheme is being hailed as a significant step towards empowering women and improving their access to transportation within the state.
First Piper 