SHGs to play active role in public transport in Hyderabad

Bank loans are to be provided to enable these SHGs procure buses and hire them out to the RTC

Hyderabad: The women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the State are set to play an active role in public transportation through a unique partnership with the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC).

Towards financial empowerment of women, bank loans are to be provided to enable these SHGs procure buses and hire them out to the RTC. The government has decided to rope in SHGs for operating buses, particularly in rural areas and on routes where there are inadequate or no bus services.

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While the SHGs would contribute some percentage of margin money, the remaining amount would be financed by the banks. The profits would be shared by the SHGs concerned.

Authorities said the RTC management was contemplating to acquire more buses to meet the increased passenger rush in view of the free travel for women scheme. As per available information, a total of 150 Mandal Mahila Samakhyas (MMS) will lease buses to the corporation, to ensure a steady source of income for them.

It is learnt that the first phase of the initiative will cover the erstwhile districts of Mahabubnagar, Khammam, Warangal, and Karimnagar. Financially stable Mandal Mahila Samakhyas in these areas have been identified for the project, with each purchasing one bus valued at Rs 6 lakh.

The State government has decided to purchase a total of 600 RTC buses through the SHGs in a phased manner. As part of the agreement, these vehicles will be leased out to RTC and rental charges will be paid to the SHGs.

The TGSRTC will operate and maintain the buses while paying monthly hire charges. The vehicles will be registered in the names of the SHGs concerned.