APSRTC adds Tirumala hill buses to Stree Shakti free bus travel scheme for women. Pilgrims can now reach Tirumala without paying fares.

APSRTC Extends Stree Shakti Free Bus Travel Scheme to Tirumala Hill Route

The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has officially included the Tirumala hill route buses under the Stree Shakti free bus travel scheme for women. This major move ensures that women devotees can now travel from Tirupati to Tirumala for darshan without paying fares, making spiritual journeys more affordable and inclusive.

What Is the Stree Shakti Free Bus Travel Scheme?

Launched by the Andhra Pradesh government in 2024, the Stree Shakti scheme allows women, including transgender persons, to travel free of cost in APSRTC buses across the state. The scheme has already benefitted lakhs of women commuters in rural and urban areas.

By extending the scheme to the Tirumala Ghat Road buses, the government has addressed a long-pending demand from women devotees and social groups.

Tirumala Hill Route Now Covered

Until now, the free travel facility applied to city, rural, and district buses but excluded the Tirumala hill route. Pilgrims had to purchase special tickets for the uphill journey.

With this new inclusion:

• Women devotees can travel free of cost on APSRTC’s Srivari Metlu buses and Ghat Road buses to Tirumala.
• The decision applies to both Alipiri and Srivari Mettu routes.
• Free ticketing facility will be provided at boarding counters in Tirupati bus stand.

Benefits for Women Pilgrims

• Economic Relief: Women from rural families visiting Tirumala frequently will save on bus fares.
• Encouragement for Pilgrimage: More women are expected to visit Tirumala with ease.
• Inclusivity: The scheme also covers transgender women, strengthening social equity.
• Direct Impact: Tens of thousands of women devotees per day will benefit, especially during festival seasons.

APSRTC and TTD Coordination

APSRTC has been working closely with the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to manage transport on the sacred hill. With this scheme extension:

• TTD and APSRTC plan to increase bus frequency during peak pilgrimage days.
• Ticket counters will issue zero-fare tickets for Stree Shakti beneficiaries to maintain records.
• Special arrangements are being planned for Brahmotsavam and Sravana masam pilgrim rush.

Public Reactions

The decision has been welcomed by devotees and women’s associations.

• “This is a boon for women devotees. Earlier, we had to spend extra on hill buses. Now darshan is more accessible,” said a pilgrim from Nellore.
• Social activists also praised the government for making religious travel economically inclusive.

Do’s and Don’ts for Devotees Using the Scheme

Do’s:

• Carry valid government ID proof to avail the scheme.
• Collect the zero-fare ticket before boarding.
• Follow APSRTC safety rules on the ghat road.

Don’ts:

• Avoid crowding at counters; use designated queues.
• Do not misuse the scheme for commercial purposes.

The inclusion of the Tirumala hill route under the Stree Shakti free bus travel scheme marks a major step in women-friendly public transport policy. For lakhs of women devotees visiting Lord Venkateswara’s shrine, this decision ensures not only economic relief but also spiritual empowerment.

Om Namo Venkatesaya 🙏