The Andhra Pradesh government on Wednesday (March 18, 2026) launched the ‘Divyang Shakti’ scheme of free bus travel for disabled people, making the state among the few states where this facility is available.
While launching this scheme, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu described it as a big step towards an inclusive and equal society. After the success of the free bus travel scheme for women, this facility has now been extended to the disabled.
After launching the scheme along with Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh, the Chief Minister also took a special bus journey with the beneficiaries from Mangalagiri to Penumaka, which received enthusiastic support from the people along the way.
During this, the Chief Minister and other leaders interacted with the disabled people, listened to their problems and took feedback on government schemes. According to the government statement, this dialogue provided first-hand information about the transportation-related problems faced by the beneficiaries, which further strengthened the need for accessible public transportation. The leaders reiterated their commitment to ensure dignity, freedom and equal opportunity for all.
The Chief Minister said that in the last 21 months, the coalition government has taken many initiatives for public welfare and he has got special satisfaction from the launch of Divyang Shakti Yojana. He said that disabled people are people with extraordinary talent, who have the ability to overcome challenges and achieve success. He also mentioned the assistance given under the ‘Cheyutha’ programme, in which two-wheelers along with tricycles were distributed.
The Chief Minister claimed that his government is the only government to give pension of Rs 6,000 to the disabled, which has been increased from Rs 500 earlier. After the visit, the Chief Minister also organized a special lunch for the beneficiaries, which was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Minister Nara Lokesh.
Under the ‘Divyang Shakti’ scheme, free travel facility will be available in APSRTC’s City Ordinary, Metro Express, Palle Velugu, Ultra Palle Velugu and Express bus services. The scheme will be applicable to 21 categories of people with more than 40 percent disability and is expected to benefit about 12.76 lakh people (including assistants). The government has committed to spend Rs 207 crore per year for the effective implementation of this scheme.
Also read:-
‘There is no place for self-respecting people in Congress’, says Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma