Tamil Nadu Extends Free Bus Travel for Persons with Disabilities to Express and Deluxe Services

The Tamil Nadu government has expanded free bus travel facilities for persons with benchmark disabilities, extending the benefit to additional categories of government buses, including Express, LSS and Deluxe services. The revised guidelines also allow eligible passengers who cannot travel independently to be accompanied by one attendant, subject to the prescribed conditions.

The revised Government Order (GO) was issued by the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons Department on October 27, 2026, setting out the eligibility requirements and implementation procedures for government transport services.

Free Bus Travel for Persons with Disabilities in Tamil Nadu

Social Welfare Minister K Jegadeshwari had announced the expansion of the free bus travel scheme in the Tamil Nadu Assembly in August.

Under the revised arrangements, persons with 40% or more disability who possess a valid Unique Disability ID (UDID) card will be eligible for free travel on specified government bus services.

The expanded facility covers Express, LSS and Deluxe buses operating in urban and city areas, subject to the applicable conditions.

Free Travel on Mofussil and Hill Route Buses

The revised guidelines also extend the benefit to Mofussil Ordinary and Ghat Ordinary buses operating on hill routes.

Eligible passengers can use the specified services within the applicable travel-distance limits. The government order distinguishes between served and unserved areas, prescribing limits of 35 km and 40 km, respectively, under the relevant provisions.

These arrangements aim to improve public transport accessibility for persons with disabilities across urban, rural and hill regions of Tamil Nadu.

Attendant Facility for Eligible Passengers

The revised scheme also provides for one attendant to accompany an eligible person with a disability who is unable to travel independently.

The attendant facility is subject to the conditions specified in the government order. Transport authorities have been directed to implement the revised arrangements in accordance with the prescribed eligibility criteria and operational guidelines.

Tamil Nadu Government Expands Accessible Transport

The expansion of free bus travel is intended to make public transportation more accessible and affordable for persons with disabilities. The inclusion of additional bus categories could help eligible passengers travel for education, employment, healthcare and other essential needs.

Passengers should carry their valid UDID card and check the applicable travel conditions with the relevant government transport corporation before travelling.

Stay tuned for the latest Tamil Nadu government announcements, public transport updates and welfare scheme news.