The Tamil Nadu Government provides free travel concessions for differently-abled individuals in State-Owned Transport Corporation Buses. These concessions aim to promote mobility, inclusivity, and ease of travel for differently-abled individuals and their escorts.
Benefits
- Visually Impaired Persons
- Free travel concession for journeys up to 100 km (to and fro) without any conditions.
- Intellectually Disabled Persons
- Free travel concession for one escort traveling along with the individual.
- Speech, Hearing Impaired, and Locomotor Differently Abled Persons
- Free travel concession for up to 100 km to visit schools, colleges, hospitals, training centers, or work spots, and return to their residence.
- Children with Disabilities
- Free travel concession for children attending early intervention centers or preschools, along with one escort or parent.
Note: No income ceiling applies to avail these concessions.
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must be differently-abled, falling under the following categories:
- Visually impaired
- Intellectually disabled
- Speech and hearing impaired
- Locomotor differently abled
- Children with disabilities
Application Process
Mode of Application: Offline
- Contact the District Differently Abled Welfare Officer
- Visit the District Differently Abled Welfare Office.
- Submit the Application
- Provide the application form along with the required documents to the following address:
- Assistant Director (DAW)
Commissionerate for Welfare of the Differently Abled,
No. 5, Kamarajar Salai,
Chennai – 600 005.
Ph: 044-28444940
- Assistant Director (DAW)
- Provide the application form along with the required documents to the following address:
- Authority for Approval
- Applications will be reviewed by the District Collector or the Managing Director of the Metropolitan/State Transport Corporation.
Documents Required
- National Identity Card for differently abled persons.
- Certificate from the Educational Institution (applicable for categories other than visually impaired).
- Bonafide Certificate from a concerned authority or employer.
- Government Doctor Certificate for an escort traveling with the beneficiary.
- Xerox Copy of Identity Card (for 75% concession); the original should be presented to the conductor if required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is a travel concession for differently-abled persons?
- It is a free or discounted travel benefit offered to differently-abled individuals in Tamil Nadu’s state-owned buses.
- Who qualifies for this concession?
- Differently-abled individuals, including those visually impaired, intellectually disabled, speech/hearing impaired, locomotor differently-abled, and children with disabilities.
- Are concessions applicable to all bus routes?
- Yes, the concessions apply to state-owned transport buses, although they may vary based on specific routes and bus types.
- Can I apply online for the travel concession?
- Currently, the application process is offline. Applicants must contact the District Differently Abled Welfare Office.
- Do I need to renew the concession pass?
- Renewal may be required periodically. Ensure you inquire about the validity and renewal process at the time of issuance.
- What if I encounter issues while availing the concession?
- Contact the District Differently Abled Welfare Officer or the Transport Corporation’s helpline for resolution.
Sources and References
- Official Guidelines by the Tamil Nadu Government
- Contact the Commissionerate for Welfare of the Differently Abled or visit their office for further assistance.
This scheme ensures ease of access, inclusivity, and empowerment for differently-abled individuals in Tamil Nadu, helping them commute conveniently for education, healthcare, and daily life needs.