Stree Shakti Scheme Drives Passenger Surge, Fuel Efficiency Dip for Vijayawada RTC
In Vijayawada, the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (RTC) has hailed the Stree Shakti scheme as a transformative initiative for women's mobility and financial empowerment. The program, which provides free bus travel to women across five categories of bus services since August 15, 2025, has been widely praised for enhancing accessibility and economic stability through government reimbursement. However, this success has come with an unintended consequence: a noticeable decline in the corporation's fuel efficiency metrics.
Fuel Efficiency Data Reveals Negative Growth
According to official RTC data, the average kilometres per litre (KMPL) across the fleet stood at 5.16 up to December 2025, falling short of the target of 5.27 KMPL set for the 2025–26 financial year. This represents a negative growth of -0.11 KMPL against the annual goal. Comparatively, the RTC recorded 5.19 KMPL in the previous 2024–25 financial year up to December, indicating a -0.03 KMPL decline year-over-year.
The trend shows a gradual dip starting in August 2025, coinciding with the scheme's launch. From April to July 2025, average KMPL hovered between 5.23 and 5.22, but dropped to 5.14 in August and further decreased to 5.08 in October and November.
Officials Cite Increased Passenger Load as Key Factor
An RTC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, attributed the fuel efficiency drop directly to the surge in passengers, particularly women, following the free travel initiative. "The sudden drop in fuel efficiency can be attributed to the surge in passengers, especially women passengers, on RTC buses in the five categories where travel was made free," the official explained. "As passenger load increases, coupled with extended waiting times for boarding and alighting at bus stations and stops, fuel efficiency is impacted. This escalation in diesel consumption places an additional financial burden on the RTC."
Breakdown Rates Improve Despite Challenges
Despite the fuel efficiency challenges, the RTC has managed to achieve positive outcomes in other operational areas. The corporation reported a reduction in breakdown rates within its fleet, even amid the increased ridership from the Stree Shakti scheme. "RTC overcame breakdown problems by ensuring adequate supply of accessories and spares at garages and workshops," the official added. "This enabled periodic maintenance and timely replacement of bus parts, which directly contributed to fewer bus breakdowns and improved reliability."
The juxtaposition of declining fuel efficiency and enhanced mechanical reliability highlights the complex dynamics of implementing large-scale public welfare programs. While the Stree Shakti scheme empowers women and boosts public transport usage, it necessitates strategic adjustments to maintain operational efficiency and sustainability for the RTC in Vijayawada.
