Telangana RTC to Introduce Smart Cards for Women Under Mahalakshmi Free Travel Scheme
Women travelling free in Telangana RTC buses will gradually shift from Aadhaar based verification to smart cards as authorities prepare to streamline the Mahalakshmi scheme.
- Mahalakshmi scheme gets smart cards
- Telangana RTC changes free travel system
- Women free travel to continue
Telangana State Road Transport Corporation is preparing to introduce a new smart card system for women benefiting from the Mahalakshmi free travel scheme. The move is aimed at making the scheme more efficient, transparent and convenient for lakhs of passengers across the state.
At present, women avail free travel in RTC buses by showing their Aadhaar card and receiving a zero fare ticket. However, officials have announced that smart cards will gradually replace Aadhaar based verification as part of a major digital upgrade to the scheme.
The smart card rollout is expected to begin around Telangana State Formation Day on June 2. Once implemented, women will be able to travel free by using the newly issued Mahalakshmi smart cards. Until all eligible beneficiaries receive their cards, Aadhaar based verification will continue without any interruption, according to RTC authorities.
Officials said the transition will not happen across the state at once. Instead, the corporation plans to launch the initiative in phases through a pilot project. Initially, one mandal from each district may be selected for the first round of distribution before expanding the system statewide.
The proposed cards will function similarly to season passes currently issued to students, employees and other categories of commuters. The objective is to simplify passenger verification while improving record management and service delivery.
According to RTC officials, the smart cards will be built using chip based technology. Each card will store key beneficiary details, including the passenger’s name, address and a unique identification number linked to the scheme.
Once the system becomes fully operational, passengers will present the smart card to the conductor, who will scan it using the Ticket Issuing Machine. The machine will instantly generate a zero fare ticket, completing the verification process digitally.
Authorities clarified that free travel benefits will continue for eligible women throughout the transition period. The new smart card mechanism is expected to be introduced gradually to ensure a smooth shift without causing inconvenience to passengers.
