The Andhra Pradesh government recently launched the Divyang Shakti Scheme. This is a major welfare scheme under the state. The
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu officially started the Divyang Shakti Scheme on March 18, 2026. This scheme offers a special gift to differently-abled citizens under 21 categories on the Ugadi festival. It provides free bus travel to a lakh of differently-abled people across the state. Through this scheme, the government wants to improve mobility and dignity for everyone.
| Feature | Details |
| Scheme Name | Divyang Shakti Scheme |
| Launch Date | March 18, 2026 |
| Launched By | CM N. Chandrababu Naidu |
| Annual Budget | Rs 207 Crore |
| Total Beneficiaries | 12.76 Lakh (including attendants) |
| Disability Requirement | 40% or higher |
| Number of Categories | 21 Types of Disabilities |
| Attendant Benefit | 50% Fare Discount |
What is the Divyang Shakti Scheme?
The Divyang Shakti Scheme is a social welfare project. It helps persons with disabilities (PwDs) travel without paying any fare. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) manages these buses. Chief Minister Naidu launched the program in Amaravati. He even traveled on a bus with the beneficiaries to show his support. This scheme aims at social equity. It ensures that every citizen can move freely and comfortably.
Who Benefits from This Scheme?
This scheme is very large in scale. It helps over 12.76 lakh individuals. This number includes 11.16 lakh persons with disabilities. It also includes their attendants. Previously, only 1.71 lakh people received these benefits. Now, the government has expanded the list significantly.
Eligibility Criteria
- To use this free travel service, a person must meet certain rules:
- The person must have at least 40% disability.
- The person must belong to one of the 21 approved categories.
- The person must have a valid disability pass.
Categories of Disabilities
| Disability Category | Description |
| Blindness | Total absence of sight. |
| Low Vision | Partial sight that cannot be corrected by standard glasses. |
| Leprosy Cured Persons | Persons cured of leprosy but suffering from physical loss. |
| Hearing Impairment | Includes both “deaf” and “hard of hearing” individuals. |
| Locomotor Disability | Inability to execute movements due to muscle/bone issues. |
| Dwarfism | A medical or genetic condition resulting in short stature. |
| Intellectual Disability | Significant limitation in cognitive and adaptive functioning. |
| Mental Illness | A substantial disorder of thinking, mood, or memory. |
| Autism Spectrum Disorder | A neurological condition affecting communication and social interaction. |
| Cerebral Palsy | Non-progressive neurological posture and movement issues. |
| Muscular Dystrophy | A group of genetic diseases that cause progressive muscle weakness. |
| Chronic Neurological Conditions | Conditions like Multiple Sclerosis or Alzheimer’s. |
| Specific Learning Disabilities | Conditions like Dyslexia or Dysgraphia. |
| Multiple Sclerosis | An inflammatory disease that damages the central nervous system. |
| Speech and Language Disability | Permanent disability affecting speech and language. |
| Thalassemia | A blood disorder involving lower-than-normal hemoglobin. |
| Hemophilia | A medical condition where the blood does not clot properly. |
| Sickle Cell Disease | A blood disorder that affects red blood cells. |
| Multiple Disabilities | Having more than one of the above disabilities. |
| Acid Attack Victims | Persons disfigured due to violent chemical attacks. |
| Parkinson’s Disease | A progressive disorder of the central nervous system. |
Key Features of the Divyang Shakti Scheme
The Divyang Shakti Scheme comes with several helpful features. These features make travel easy and affordable.
- Free Travel for Beneficiaries: Persons with 40% or more disability travel for free. They do not need to buy tickets on most RTC buses.
- Discount for Attendants: Many disabled people need a helper to travel. The government offers a 50% fare concession for these attendants. This helps families save a lot of money.
- Wide Bus Coverage: Beneficiaries can use 7,264 buses. This is about 73% of the total APSRTC fleet.
- Huge Budget: The state government will spend Rs 207 crore every year. This money covers the cost of free travel.
- Digital Access: People can get QR-code-based digital passes. They can use the “Mana Mitra” app or the APSRTC app.
Which Buses Can You Use?
The scheme applies to specific types of buses. These are the same buses used in the “Stree Shakti” scheme for women. You can travel for free in:
- City Ordinary buses
- Metro Express buses
- Palle Velugu buses
- Ultra Palle Velugu buses
- Express buses
These buses connect villages and cities. This makes it easy for people to reach hospitals, offices, and schools.
How to Apply for a Pass
- The government has made the application process very simple. You do not need to carry physical papers everywhere.
- Existing Passes: If you have an old disability pass, it remains valid. You can use it until it expires.
- Digital Passes: You can apply for a digital pass online. The “Mana Mitra” platform connects directly to the SADAREM database. This database stores all disability records.
- No Physical Certificates: Since the apps are linked to official records, you do not need to upload certificates.
- Help Counters: The government has set up 134 help counters. You can find these at various APSRTC bus stations. Staff members at these counters will help you get your pass.
The Success of the Stree Shakti Foundation
The Divyang Shakti Scheme follows the success of the Stree Shakti scheme. The government launched Stree Shakti on August 15, 2024. This scheme provides free travel for women. In just seven months, women made over 52 crore free journeys. The government spent Rs 1,826 crore on this. Now, the government wants to give the same freedom to differently-abled citizens.
he Andhra Pradesh Divyang Shakti Scheme 2026 is a historic step. It brings hope to millions of people. It provides financial relief to families. It also encourages people with disabilities to participate in society. The use of digital passes makes the system modern and honest.
Helpline Number
| Service Type | Contact Number / Email | Availability |
| Central Customer Care (APSRTC) | 0866 2570005 | 24/7 |
| Emergency Support / Short Digit | 149 | 24/7 |
| Mana Mitra (WhatsApp Support) | 95523 00009 | Instant Digital Help |
| General Support Email | customercare@apsrtconline.in | Business Hours |
| Bus Pass/Refund Support Email | online.support@apsrtconline.in | Business Hours |