Andhra Pradesh Divyang Shakti Scheme

The Divyang Shakti Scheme is a welfare initiative launched by the Andhra Pradesh Government on 18 March 2026 to provide free bus travel to persons with disabilities. Eligible beneficiaries can travel without paying fare on selected buses, while attendants receive a 50% concession, helping improve mobility, independence, and access to essential services.
Read the complete article for more details.

Introduction of Andhra Pradesh Divyang Shakti Scheme: A Brief Insight

• The Government of Andhra Pradesh has been taking steady steps to make public transport easier and more affordable for everyone.
• Earlier, on 15 August 2025, the state launched the Stree Shakti Scheme to provide free bus travel for women.
• This scheme is already helping crores of women travel daily without worrying about ticket costs.
• Now, moving forward with the same vision, the government has introduced another important initiative for those who need support the most.
• On 18 March 2026, the government launched the Divyang Shakti Scheme to provide free bus travel for persons with disabilities.
• The main objective of this scheme is to make travel easy, safe, and affordable for divyang individuals so they can reach schools, workplaces, hospitals, and other important places without any financial burden.
• This scheme is implemented and operated by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation, which manages public bus services across the state.
• Under the Divyang Shakti Scheme, eligible beneficiaries can travel free of cost on selected bus services, while attendants travelling with them receive a 50% fare concession.
• The benefits are designed to support the daily life of a person with disabilities and the free travel reduces expenses, increases independence, and helps beneficiaries stay connected with education, healthcare, and job opportunities.
• To avail the benefits of free of cost travel in buses under the Divyang Shakti Scheme of the Andhra Pradesh Government, a person must be a permanent resident of Andhra Pradesh and should have a valid disability certificate with at least 40% disability.
• However, the benefit will not apply if a person does not meet the eligibility criteria or fails to carry the required bus pass during travel.
• Also, free travel is limited to selected bus services such as City Ordinary Buses, Metro Buses, Palle Velugu and Ultra Palle Velugu Buses and Express Buses.
• The premium or long-distance buses may offer only concessional fares instead of completely free travel.
• Beneficiaries need to apply for a special QR code-based bus pass through APSRTC or authorised service centres under the Divyang Shakti Scheme.
• After verification, the beneficiary person with disability will receive a pass that allows them to travel for free on eligible buses.
• The Andhra Pradesh Government Divyanga Shakti Scheme ensures that transportation is no longer a barrier for divyang individuals and helps them live a more independent and confident life.
• The government will provide an annual financial assistance of 207 Crore to APSRTC for the implementation of this scheme.
• It is estimated that around 12.76 lakh divyang beneficiaries will receive the benefit of free of cost travel in buses under the AP Government’s Divyang Shakti Scheme.
• The Complete List of Andhra Pradesh Government Schemes can be seen here.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

• Andhra Pradesh Government, through its Divyang Shakti Scheme, will provide the following benefits to a Persons with Disabilities :-
  • The Benefit of Free Travel in Buses Operated by the APSRTC.
  • Zero Fare Ticket will be issued to eligible Divyang Passengers during travel.
  • Attendants will also receive the benefit of 50% Fare Concession.

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

• The benefit of free travel in Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation Buses will be provided to only those beneficiaries who fulfil the below-mentioned eligibility criteria of the Divyang Shakti Scheme :-
  • A Permanent Resident Person with Disabilities of Andhra Pradesh State is eligible.
  • The Disability Percentage of the Disabled Person should be 40% or more.
  • The beneficiary person should have any one of the specified 21 Disability Categories
  • Attendants will have to pay the 50% amount of the ticket fare.

Bus Services Eligible for Free Travel under Divyang Shakti Scheme

• The Andhra Pradesh Government only allows eligible beneficiaries to travel free of cost on selected bus services.
• These buses are commonly used for daily travel, making it easier for divyang passengers to move around without spending money.
• The eligible Divyang Beneficiary can travel for free on the following types of buses operated by the APSRTC :-
  • City Ordinary Buses.
  • Metro Express Buses.
  • Pallevelugu Buses.
  • Ultra Pallevelugu Buses.
  • Express Buses.
• Some premium and long-distance buses are not covered under the free travel benefit under the Divyang Shakti Scheme which includes Inter-State Buses, Non-Stop Buses and Ultra Deluxe Buses.

Documents Required to be Attached

• The documents that are required at the time of availing the free-of-cost travelling services in the buses under the Divyang Shakti Scheme of the Andhra Pradesh Government are mentioned below :-
  • SADARAM ID/ Disability Certificate.
  • Aadhaar Card.
  • Passport Size Photo.

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme

• Applying for the Andhra Pradesh Government’s Divyang Shakti Scheme is very simple.
• You just need to follow a few clear steps to avail the benefit of free travel under this scheme.
• You have to think of it like getting a special travel pass that lets you ride buses for free.
• Step 1 is to Get Your Disability Certificate :-
  • First, make sure you have a valid disability certificate.
  • It should show at least 40% disability and must be issued by a government-authorised medical authority.
  • Without this, you cannot apply for the scheme.
• Step 2 is Keep Your Documents Ready :-
  • You will need your Aadhaar card, disability certificate, address proof, and a passport-size photo.
  • Keeping these ready will make the process faster.
• Step 3 is Apply for a Bus Pass :-
  • Next, visit your nearest bus depot of APSRTC or a nearby MeeSeva center or Namma Arasu WhatsApp Chatbot.
  • Ask for the Divyang Shakti Scheme Bus Pass Application.
  • Fill in your details carefully and submit your documents.
• Step 4 is Verification Process :-
  • Officials will check your documents to confirm your eligibility.
  • This step ensures that only genuine beneficiaries receive the benefit of the free bus travel under the Divyang Shakti Pathakam.
• Step 5 is Collect Your Pass :-
  • Once your application is approved, you will receive a special bus pass that has a special QR Code.
  • This is your key to free travel, keep it safe and carry it whenever you travel under eligible bus services.
• Step 6 is Start Using the Benefit :-
  • Now you can travel for free on eligible buses.
  • Just show your QR Code-based pass when boarding.
  • If someone travels with you as an attendant, they will get a 50% fare concession.
• You have to always carry your Divyang Shakti Bus Pass while travelling.
• Without it, you may not be allowed to use the free travel benefit.
• Contact the helpline number of APSRTC for any kind of help or assistance regarding the Divyang Shakti Scheme.

Eligible 21 Disability Category for Free Travel in Buses

• The government has included 21 specific disability categories so that only eligible beneficiaries can avail the free travel benefit under the Divyang Shakti Scheme :-
  

  Disability Type	Explanation
  Locomotor Disability	Difficulty in movement due to problems in bones, joints, or muscles.
  Blindness	Complete loss of vision where a person is unable to see.
  Low Vision	Limited vision that cannot be fully corrected even with glasses.
  Hearing Impairment	Includes both fully deaf and partially hearing individuals.
  Speech and Language Disability	Permanent difficulty in speaking or understanding language.
  Intellectual Disability	Reduced ability to learn, think, and perform daily activities.
  Mental Illness	Serious conditions affecting mood, thinking, or behaviour.
  Autism Spectrum Disorder	A condition that affects communication, behaviour, and social interaction.
  Cerebral Palsy	A neurological condition affecting posture, balance, and movement.
  Muscular Dystrophy	A genetic disorder causing the gradual weakening of muscles.
  Dwarfism	A condition that results in shorter than average height.
  Multiple Disabilities	When a person has more than one type of disability.
  Specific Learning Disabilities	Conditions like dyslexia that affect reading, writing, or learning.
  Chronic Neurological Conditions	Long-term brain or nerve-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s.
  Multiple Sclerosis	A disease where the immune system damages nerve coverings.
  Parkinson’s Disease	A progressive disorder affecting movement and coordination.
  Leprosy Cured Persons	Individuals cured of leprosy but with lasting physical impairments.
  Acid Attack Victims	People who have suffered disfigurement due to acid attacks.
  Thalassemia	A blood disorder where the body produces less haemoglobin.
  Hemophilia	A condition in which blood does not clot properly.
  Sickle Cell Disease	A genetic blood disorder affecting red blood cells.

Important Links Available

• Official Website of State Road Transport Corporation Andhra Pradesh.

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

• Helpline Number of State Road Transport Corporation Andhra Pradesh :-
  • 0866 2570149.
  • 0866 2570005.

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.