Andhra Pradesh Indra Dhanussu Free Bus Travel Scheme

The Government of Andhra Pradesh will launch the Indra Dhanussu Free Bus Travel Scheme on 18 March 2026 to help persons with disabilities travel easily in APSRTC buses. Eligible beneficiaries with 40% or more disability will get free bus travel, while escorts will receive a 50% fare concession.
Read the complete article for more details.

Introduction of Andhra Pradesh Indra Dhanussu Free Bus Travel Scheme: A Brief Insight

• The Government of Andhra Pradesh has introduced the Indra Dhanussu Free Bus Travel Scheme to make public transport more accessible for persons with disabilities.
• Under this initiative, eligible beneficiaries will be able to travel free of cost in state-run buses so that they can move easily across the state for their daily needs.
• The state government will officially launch this scheme on 18 March 2026, and the programme will be inaugurated by the Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu.
• Through this initiative, the government aims to improve mobility and make public transport more inclusive for people who face physical challenges while travelling.
• The main objective behind starting this scheme is to reduce the financial burden of travel and help persons with disabilities access important services such as education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and social activities without difficulty.
• When transportation becomes easier and more affordable, beneficiaries can participate more actively in society.
• Under the scheme, persons with disabilities who have 40 per cent or more disability as defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 will become eligible to receive the free travel facility.
• Once the scheme begins, these beneficiaries will be able to travel on several bus services operated by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation.
• The covered services include City Ordinary, Metro Express, Palle Velugu, Ultra Palle Velugu, and Express buses operating across the state.
• The scheme also considers situations where a person with disability needs assistance during travel.
• In such cases, the assistant or escort travelling with the beneficiary will receive a 50 percent concession on the bus ticket fare, which will make the journey easier and more affordable.
• Beneficiaries will not need to go through a complicated application process to use this facility.
• Eligible persons can simply show their valid disability certificate and identity proof when required.
• This simple system will ensure that people can quickly access the benefit without facing unnecessary paperwork.
• If beneficiaries need any support or clarification regarding the scheme, they can contact or visit the nearest office of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation, where officials will guide them about the process and available services.
• It is important to note that the Andhra Pradesh government has already introduced a similar free bus travel facility for women under the Stree Shakti Free Bus Scheme.
• That initiative aims to support women’s mobility and empowerment across the state.
• In a similar way, the Indra Dhanussu scheme focuses on improving the independence, dignity, and quality of life of persons with disabilities by making transportation easier and more affordable.
• The Complete List of Andhra Pradesh Government Welfare Schemes can be seen here.

Bus Services Covered Under the Scheme

• The free travel facility provided under the Indra Dhanussu Free Bus Travel Scheme will be available in several bus services operated by the AP State Road Transport Corporation across Andhra Pradesh.
• The categories of buses included under this initiative are listed below:
  • City Ordinary Buses.
  • Metro Express Buses.
  • Palle Velugu Buses.
  • Ultra Palle Velugu Buses.
  • Express Bus Services.
• Eligible persons with disabilities will be able to travel free of cost in these APSRTC bus services after the scheme is officially launched by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
• This coverage ensures that beneficiaries can travel conveniently across both urban and rural areas of the state.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

• Andhra Pradesh Government will provide the following benefits to all eligible beneficiaries under the Indra Dhanussu Free Bus Travel Scheme :-
  • Persons with disabilities will be able to travel free of cost in selected public buses operated by the APSRTC.
  • Beneficiaries with 40% or more disability, as defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, will be eligible to avail the benefit of the scheme.
  • If a person with disability travels with an assistant or escort, the accompanying person will receive a 50% concession on the bus ticket fare.
  • The scheme will help persons with disabilities travel for education, medical treatment, employment, and other daily needs without worrying about transportation expenses.
  • This initiative will improve mobility, accessibility, and social inclusion for persons with disabilities across the state.
  • The programme will be formally launched by the Chief Minister of the state, N. Chandrababu Naidu, on 18 March 2026.

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

• The eligibility conditions that applicants must fulfil to avail the benefits of the Indra Dhanussu Free Bus Travel Scheme of the Andhra Pradesh Government are listed below :-
  • The applicant must be a permanent resident of Andhra Pradesh.
  • The beneficiary must be a person with disability having 40% or more disability as defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
  • The applicant must possess a valid disability certificate issued by a recognised medical authority.
  • The free travel facility will be available only in selected bus services operated by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC).
  • If a beneficiary requires assistance while travelling, one accompanying assistant will be eligible for a 50% concession on the bus ticket fare.
  • The scheme will be implemented across the state after its official launch by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Documents Required to be Attached

• The documents that beneficiaries may need to provide to avail the benefits of the Indra Dhanussu Free Bus Travel Scheme launched by the Government of Andhra Pradesh are mentioned below :-
  • Valid Disability Certificate showing 40% or more disability issued by a competent medical authority.
  • Aadhaar Card of the beneficiary for identity verification.
  • Identity proof such as a Voter ID Card or any other government-issued ID.
  • Registered Mobile Number for communication and verification.

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme

• Persons with disabilities in Andhra Pradesh can easily avail the benefits of the Indra Dhanussu Free Bus Travel Scheme introduced by the state government.
• The process is designed to be simple so that every eligible beneficiary can access the facility without difficulty.
• First, the applicant must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
• Only those individuals who have 40% or more disability are eligible to receive free travel benefits under this initiative.
• To prove eligibility, the beneficiary must possess a valid disability certificate issued by a competent medical authority.
• Once the eligibility is confirmed, the beneficiary needs to visit the nearest office or service centre of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC).
• At the centre, the applicant may be required to submit basic details such as their disability certificate, identity proof, and a recent photograph. Officials will verify the documents and register the beneficiary in the system.
• After successful verification, the beneficiary will be able to travel free of cost in selected APSRTC bus services across the state.
• If the person with disability requires assistance while travelling, the accompanying assistant will also receive 50% concession on the ticket fare, which makes the journey more affordable and convenient.
• The scheme will officially be launched by the Chief Minister of the state, N. Chandrababu Naidu, on 18 March 2026.
• Once the scheme becomes operational, eligible persons with disabilities can start using this facility to travel for education, medical treatment, employment opportunities, or other daily needs.
• Through this initiative, the government aims to make public transport more accessible and ensure that persons with disabilities can move freely and participate actively in society without worrying about travel expenses.

Important Links Available

• Official Website of Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation.

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

• Contact the respective Bus Station in case any help or assistance is required regarding the Indra Dhanussu Free Bus Travel Scheme of the Andhra Pradesh Government.

Tabassum

Tabassum is a senior content writer with 5 years of experience in creating well-researched and user-friendly content on Central and State Government schemes.