The state government has ordered the RTC to create smart cards which will be provided to women participating in the Mahalakshmi free bus travel program. The government has decided in principle to issue these smart cards from June 2.
Budget Meeting Reviews Proposal
- Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka started a budget preparation meeting at the Secretariat which was part of the 2026-27 state budget development process. Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and RTC Managing Director Nagi Reddy and senior officials attended the meeting.
- The discussion included RTC Managing Director Nagi Reddy making budget fund allocation proposals which would be used for RTC operations in the upcoming budget. He also explained the smart card plan for women beneficiaries under the Mahalakshmi scheme.
Pilot Project Before Statewide Rollout
- The officials announced that the smart card system will commence its first operation through a pilot project which will take place in one district mandal. The purpose is to identify and resolve technical issues at an early stage.
- The government will implement the smart card system throughout the state after they complete all required problem-solving activities.
- In the pilot phase approximately 5 lakh women will receive smart cards. The cards will include a chip which provides users with secure identification and access to free bus travel.
Financial Requirement and Next Steps
- RTC predicted that chip-based smart cards will cost about ₹75 crore to produce through their manufacturing process. The corporation has requested the state government to provide financial support for this amount.
- The officials plan to show three smart card design options to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for his final approval before they start the state-wide implementation.
