Free bus travel for women soon: Minister

Minister for Transport and Sports M Ramprasad Reddy has announced that free bus travel in APSRTC buses for all women would be implemented soon. Reddy took charge as Minister for Transport at the Secretariat in Amaravati on Sunday.
After assuming office, his first action was to sign off on a project to establish a driving training and research centre in Darshi, Prakasam district, for Rs 18.51 crore.
Speaking on the occasion, Reddy said that free bus travel for women was a promise made in the election manifesto. “We are studying the free bus travel schemes for women implemented in Karnataka and Telangana. We will address any issues in implementing this initiative and introduce free bus travel for women soon,” he stated.
Addressing road safety, Reddy emphasized that necessary measures would be taken to reduce accidents involving APSRTC buses.
He underscored the importance of maintaining state roads, sharing that he experienced the impact of road accidents, having lost his father in one when he was 11 years old.
The Minister stressed the need for adequate training for APSRTC drivers. He criticized the previous YSRCP regime for neglecting road maintenance, resulting in many roads becoming unusable.
In the sports sector, Reddy lamented that athletes in Andhra Pradesh are falling behind and stressed the importance of providing infrastructure and fostering enthusiasm and a sports spirit among players. He urged athletes to maintain physical fitness to participate in various events.
Reddy criticised the Youth Services and Sports Department’s condition during the YSRCP regime and revealed plans to organize events throughout the year across the state. He also noted that the previous government, led by Jagan Mohan Reddy, failed to fully merge APSRTC into the state government, did not purchase new buses, and neglected repairs of existing buses.
He alleged that properties worth crores were given to private individuals on a BOT basis during the YSRCP regime. A committee will be formed to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into these actions.
Transport Department Additional Secretary Narasimha Reddy, APSRTC Executive Director K.S. Brahmananda Reddy, and Youth Services Deputy Director Rama Krishna were also present.