Amaravathi, March,17,2026: The Andhra Pradesh Divyang Shakti Scheme will be launched on Wednesday to provide free bus travel for persons with disabilities across the state. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will inaugurate the initiative in Amaravati as part of the Ugadi celebrations.
The new programme aims to improve access to public transportation and mobility for people with disabilities throughout Andhra Pradesh.
Under the Divyang Shakti Scheme, individuals with more than 40 percent disability will be eligible for free travel in buses operated by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation. The benefit will apply across the state transport network.
The scheme is expected to cover more than 12.76 lakh beneficiaries, including attendants who assist persons with disabilities during travel.
While eligible persons with disabilities will be allowed to travel free of cost, attendants accompanying them will receive a 50 percent concession on bus fares.
The state government will provide financial support of 207 crore rupees annually to the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation to implement the programme.
Officials said the initiative is intended to strengthen accessibility and make public transportation more inclusive for people with disabilities. By reducing travel costs, the programme is expected to help beneficiaries access healthcare, education, employment opportunities and other essential services more easily.
The Divyang Shakti Scheme is being introduced as part of the state government’s Ugadi initiatives, which traditionally include welfare programmes and policy announcements aimed at supporting different sections of society.
The formal launch ceremony will take place in Amaravati, where the Chief Minister will inaugurate the scheme. Following the launch, the free travel facility and attendant concession will be implemented across APSRTC services.
Authorities said the programme will begin operations immediately after the inauguration, allowing eligible beneficiaries to start using the travel benefits across the state transport network.
