One year on, TGSRTC aims for transition to electric buses; implements zero-fare scheme for women, sees spike in ridership by nearly 28%

TGSRTC transitions to electric buses, implements zero-fare scheme for women, boosts ridership, and enhances passenger experience.

The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) is set to replace its entire diesel fleet in Hyderabad Greater Zone with 2,800 electric buses, marking a significant step toward creating a sustainable public transport system. This initiative is part of the corporation’s efforts to align with the State policies on reducing vehicular pollution and enhancing passenger experience.

The past year has also witnessed the successful implementation of the Mahalakshmi Scheme., as many as 110.93 crore zero-fare tickets to women passengers were issued, leading to savings of ₹3,747.19 crore in commute costs, According to data released by the office of TGSRTC Vice Chairman and Managing Director V C Sajjanar.

Since the launch of the scheme on December 9, 2023, the daily ridership saw a spike of 27.8%. The number of passengers rose from 45.49 lakh to 58.13 lakh per day. Women now constitute 65.53% of TGSRTC’s total ridership, compared to 40% before the scheme’s implementation.

The TGSRTC added 1,389 new buses in about the same period, with 822 introduced under the Mahalakshmi Scheme. As part of its green initiative, 251 electric buses were pressed into service in Hyderabad, Karimnagar, and Nizamabad, with an additional 3,599 electric buses planned for both intra-city and inter-city services by March 2025.

The Gamyam app, which is equipped with vehicle tracking and passenger information systems, was downloaded by 24 lakh users. In the same vein, the introduction of WhatsApp-based updates and dynamic QR codes for ticketing has streamlined travel and boosted digital transactions, which now average 35,000 per day.

Infrastructural improvements at major bus stations have added 1,075 seats, 552 fans, 25 water coolers, and 46 women-specific toilet blocks. Key stations like Husnabad and Jangaon have also undergone significant upgrades.