- Offers 100% fee-free travel on government buses for persons with a significant disability.
- Covers a wide range of bus types, including ordinary, low-floor, express, limited-stop and deluxe services.
- Allows one escort to travel free alongside a person who cannot travel independently.
- Extends free travel to ordinary-fare buses operating on hill and ghat routes.
- State Commissionerate for Welfare of the Differently Abled
- Phone Number: 044-28444940
- Toll Free Number: 18004250111
- WhatsApp: 9499933703
- State Commissionerate for Welfare of the Differently Abled Email: scd.tn@nic.in
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Summary of the Scheme
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| Name of Scheme | Tamil Nadu Free Bus Travel Scheme for Persons with Disabilities |
| Launch Year | 2026 |
| Benefits | Free bus travel in eligible government-operated buses |
| Beneficiary | Persons with 40% or more disabilities in Tamil Nadu. |
| Nodal Agency | Department for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons, Tamil Nadu. |
| Subscription | Subscribe here to get Update Regarding Scheme |
| Mode of Apply | Not Required |
Tamil Nadu Free Bus Travel Scheme for Persons with Disabilities: A Quick Overview
The Tamil Nadu Government has expanded free bus travel for persons with disabilities. On 27 October 2026, a Government Order widened the earlier concession to cover more categories of government-operated buses. Here is a brief look at who can benefit and how.
What Is the Scheme?
The scheme gives persons with a significant disability 100% free travel on eligible government buses across the state. It is run by the Department for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons, and the new provisions take effect from the date of the Government Order. It is separate from the Vetri Payanam Scheme, which offers free bus travel to women.
Key Benefits
- 100% free travel on ordinary city and town buses, low-floor buses, Express, LSS, Deluxe and Mofussil buses
- One escort travels free with a person who cannot travel independently
- Free travel on ordinary-fare buses in hilly areas, up to 35 km in served areas and 40 km in unserved areas
- The existing 75% concession continues alongside the new facility
- Air-conditioned buses are excluded
Who Is Eligible?
- Persons with 40% or more disability
- Disabilities must fall under one of the 21 categories recognised by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
- Must hold a 16-digit UDID card issued by the Tamil Nadu Government
A person with less than 40% disability cannot use this 100% free facility.
How to Use It
No separate application, online portal or deadline has been prescribed. The process is simple:
- Carry your valid UDID card when boarding an eligible government bus.
- Show it to the conductor, who will verify the disability percentage.
- Receive a zero-fare ticket for the journey.
- If travelling with an escort, tell the conductor so a free ticket is issued for them too.
Important: Free travel passes issued earlier for 2026-27 are no longer valid. The UDID card is now the only accepted proof.
Contact
- Phone: 044-28444940
- Toll-free: 18004250111
- WhatsApp: 9499933703
- Email: scd.tn@nic.in