Free Bus Travel for Persons with Disabilities in Andhra Pradesh from March 18

• Free bus travel for persons with disabilities begins in Andhra Pradesh
• Free bus travel for persons with disabilities will start from March 18
• Andhra Pradesh government launches free bus travel for persons with disabilities

The Andhra Pradesh government has announced that persons with disabilities will soon be able to travel free of cost in APSRTC buses across the state. The new facility will officially begin on March 18 and is part of the Indra Dhanussu welfare initiative introduced by the coalition government.

State officials said the programme will be formally launched by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. The scheme is aimed at improving mobility and accessibility for persons with disabilities while easing their financial burden on daily travel.

According to the government order, the free travel facility will be available in several categories of APSRTC buses. These include City Ordinary, Metro Express, Palle Velugu, Ultra Palle Velugu and Express services operating across the state.

Authorities clarified that the eligibility for the scheme applies to persons with disabilities who have a disability of 40 percent or more. To make travel easier, the government has also announced a concession for assistants who accompany them. The assistant travelling with a person with disability will receive a 50 percent discount on the ticket fare.

Officials said the scheme follows a similar pattern to the existing free travel facility for women under the Stree Shakti programme. The same categories of buses covered under that scheme will also be included for persons with disabilities.

The coalition government has been implementing several welfare programmes aimed at supporting persons with disabilities in the state. One of the key initiatives already in place is the monthly pension of six thousand rupees provided to eligible beneficiaries.

Social Welfare Minister Dola Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for introducing the free travel scheme. He said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to improving the welfare and quality of life of persons with disabilities.

Government representatives also noted that the Indra Dhanussu initiative includes several measures focused on the development and social security of persons with disabilities. The introduction of free bus travel is expected to help thousands of beneficiaries travel for education employment healthcare and other daily needs without financial stress.