Minister for Backward Classes welfare and Textiles S. Savitha on Friday (August 15) launched the government’s flagship Stree Shakti initiative of the ‘Super Six’ poll promises, offering free bus travel to women, girls and transgender persons here.

District Collector T.S. Chetan and Puttaparthi MLA Palle Sindhura Reddy were present. Terming the scheme a “historic and dignified step” towards empowerment of women, the Minister said the scheme covers 8,458 of the 11,449 APSRTC buses.

In Sri Sathya Sai district, 315 buses meant for the scheme would cover 150 routes from villages to mandal and district headquarters. Mr. Chetan said about 30,000 women passengers would be benefited through this initiative in the district.

At Rayachoti of Annamayya district, Minister for Transport Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy flagged off buses after performing special pujas at the local bus station, followed by issuing of ‘zero tickets’ to women passengers.

In Chittoor, Minister for Health Sathya Kumar Yadav launched initiative at the main bus station. District Collector Sumit Kumar was also present.