The Andhra Pradesh government has approved the introduction of the Andhra Pradesh Motor Vehicle Taxation (Amendment) Act, 2026 into the state legislature, paving the way for a special ‘Road Safety Cess’ on vehicle registrations.
The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu at the Secretariat in Amaravati on Tuesday. The proposed legislation will replace the Andhra Pradesh Ordinance No. 1 of 2026 and formally amend the existing Motor Vehicle Taxation Act.
According to officials, the Bill seeks to insert a new Section 3-C titled “Road Safety Levy”. Under this provision, an additional tax of 10% will be levied as road safety tax on the life tax payable at the time of registration of motor vehicles in the state.
The government said the cess aims to create a dedicated fund to strengthen road safety infrastructure, strengthen enforcement mechanisms and reduce accident-related deaths and injuries. Proceeds are expected to support measures such as black spot remediation, improved road engineering standards, traffic management systems and public information campaigns.
The Cabinet approved the withdrawal of prosecution and disciplinary proceedings initiated against Forest Department officials, Water Resources Engineers and agencies involved in the ‘Neeru-Chettu’ works during 2014-19.
Travel to the PWD
It approved the extension of free travel benefits to persons with disabilities (PWDs) in buses covered by the ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme. The decision applies to persons defined in Section 2(zc) of the RPWD Act 2016, including persons with a disability of 40% or more.
The Cabinet also approved the continuation of 50% fare discount in City Ordinary, Metro Express, Palle Velugu, Ultra Palle Velugu and Express services. The existing concessions in Non-Stop, Inter-State, Saptagiri Express and Ultra Deluxe buses will continue. Eligible persons with disabilities and their attendants will be covered with reimbursement of APSRTC and APPTD subsidy based on actual claims.
The cabinet also approved CRDA’s proposals for infrastructure development.
Published – 24 Feb 2026 21:47 IST
