Hyderabad: In a landmark moment for Telangana’s public transport system and women’s empowerment, V Saritha, a tribal woman from Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri district, has become the first-ever woman driver of the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC).
Saritha made her historic debut on Saturday, steering a non-stop electric JBM bus from Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS), Hyderabad to Miryalaguda, marking a bold step towards inclusivity in a traditionally male-dominated sector.
From Seethya Thanda to the steering wheel
Hailing from the remote tribal hamlet of Seethya Thanda in Sansthan Narayanpur mandal, Saritha’s journey has been anything but easy. She studied up to Class 8 in Devarakonda and later completed her secondary education through the open schooling system, all while supporting her family amid significant financial constraints.
With ageing, ailing parents and limited resources, she took to driving an auto-rickshaw from Narayanpur to her village to make ends meet, an unusual choice for women in her community.
Making history in Delhi first
Saritha’s determination led her to Hyderabad, where she trained in heavy vehicle driving and secured her license.
Her big break came when she was selected as the only woman among 15 applicants for a driver’s post at the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). Posted at the Sarojini Nagar depot, she drove over 185 km daily, becoming India’s first woman bus driver in a state-run corporation.
A dream to serve Telangana
Despite her success in Delhi, Saritha was eager to return to her roots.
She reached out to Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy and minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy with a heartfelt request to be allowed to serve in her home state.
Thanks to the support of Transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar, Saritha was appointed to the MGBS depot in Hyderabad, allowing her to drive within Telangana and be closer to her family.
Driving change—on roads and in society
Now behind the wheel of a green, electric JBM bus, Saritha represents more than a driver — she is a symbol of social progress, gender equity, and sustainable transportation. Her presence in the fleet challenges stereotypes and inspires women across the state to dream big.
Grateful for this opportunity, says Saritha
Saritha expressed her gratitude to Transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar for providing her with this opportunity, stating that it fulfilled her long-standing dream to work as a driver in her native region. She called it a proud moment for herself and for women across Telangana.
Govt committed to women’s empowerment: Minister Ponnam
Minister Prabhakar emphasised that the Telangana government is deeply committed to women’s empowerment.
“From launching the Maha Lakshmi free travel scheme for women to creating employment opportunities in the transport sector, we are working towards transforming the lives of one crore women across the State,” he said.
He added that more women will be given roles within TSRTC’s driving division and hoped that women will continue to excel equally with men across all fields.
A role model in motion
Saritha’s journey from a remote tribal settlement to steering an electric bus in the capital city is nothing short of inspirational. Her story is a testament to resilience, courage, and the power of opportunity, lighting the way for many more women to follow in her tracks, the minister said.
