Free Bus Travel Scheme Sparks Debate Over Seat Allocation

Swift Summary

• A youth allegedly attacked a middle-aged woman with a sharp object during a dispute over seating on an APSRTC bus traveling from Tekkali to Dimmidijola, Nandigama mandal, Srikakulam district.
• The argument started when the woman was denied a seat. The youth reportedly threatened her with a sharp tool typically used in his mechanic shop.
• A video of the incident went viral, prompting APSRTC officials to launch an inquiry.
• According to the bus driver and conductor, such incidents have become more frequent after the introduction of the “Stree Shakti” scheme offering free bus travel for women.
• They noted that male passengers who purchase tickets often struggle to get seats due to increased female passenger numbers since August 15, 2025.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The incident highlights tensions arising from policy changes aimed at empowerment but inadvertently leading to operational challenges in public transport systems. While schemes like “Stree Shakti” are designed to improve women’s access and mobility, they can create an imbalance if infrastructure or management fails to adapt. Reports of growing contention between male passengers buying tickets and women availing free rides underline the need for equitable allocation mechanisms that prevent disputes and promote harmonious commuting among diverse groups of passengers.

A prompt inquiry by APSRTC officials is commendable; however, balancing inclusivity while avoiding friction among commuters must be prioritized in future implementations of similar welfare programs.

Read More: Indian Express Source