Free Bus Travel for Men Begins Today; Andhra Pradesh Government Issues Key Orders
Amaravati | March 1, 2026 | DeccanLive.com
The Andhra Pradesh government has announced free bus travel for differently-abled persons in state-run APSRTC buses. The scheme came into effect from March 1 after official orders were issued on February 28.
The decision was approved in the State Cabinet meeting held on February 24 under the chairmanship of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. The government has named the scheme “Indradhanassu.”
With this move, differently-abled men will also now get free bus travel benefits, similar to women who are already receiving free travel under the “Stree Shakti” scheme.
Eligible Buses
Differently-abled persons can travel free of cost in the following categories of APSRTC buses:
- Palle Velugu
- Ultra Palle Velugu
- Metro Express
- Express
The government clarified that the 50% concession for differently-abled passengers will continue in Non-Stop, Saptagiri Express, Ultra Deluxe, and inter-state buses as before.
The free travel benefit is applicable to persons with 40% or more disability. According to official data, around 11 lakh differently-abled persons in Andhra Pradesh will benefit from this scheme.
Six Welfare Schemes Under ‘Indradhanassu’
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had first announced the free bus travel scheme on December 3 last year, on the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Under the “Indradhanassu” initiative, the government has announced six welfare schemes for differently-abled persons. Free bus travel is one of them, while the remaining schemes will be implemented in phases.
Until now, differently-abled persons were receiving a 50% concession on APSRTC bus tickets. From now on, they can travel free in the specified bus categories.
Meanwhile, in Telangana, differently-abled passengers currently receive a 50% discount in RTC buses. There are growing demands for a similar free bus facility in Telangana as well, and the state government is likely to take a decision soon.
