District Collector A. Shyam Prasad travels with the disabled after launching the ‘Divyanga Shakti’ program at the RTC bus stand at Puttaparthi in Sri Sathya Sai district on Wednesday.
‘Divyaga Shakti’, a free bus ride facility for the disabled was launched in Sri Sathya Sai and Chittoor districts on Wednesday (March 18). The aim of the program is to promote inclusive development.
In Puttaparthi, District Collector A. Shyam Prasad, local MLA Palle Sindhura Reddy and former minister Palle Raghunatha Reddy jointly flagged off service at the APSRTC bus stand.
In Chittoor, Superintendent District Collector A. Rajendran inaugurated the program in the presence of Chittoor Urban Development Authority (CHUDA) Chairperson Katari Hemalatha and senior officials of RTC and Revenue and Police Departments.
This scheme allows eligible beneficiaries to travel free on selected APSRTC services including Palle Velugu, Ultra Palle Velugu, Express, City Ordinary and Metro Express buses. Officials said the program will benefit more than 33,800 people with disabilities across Sri Sathya Sai district.
During the launch, officials and members of the public traveled with and interacted with the beneficiaries. Several participants highlighted issues such as lack of housing and basic amenities, leading to assurances that steps would be taken to address them.
Authorities have clarified that persons with disabilities of 40% and above are eligible for zero-fare tickets, while concessional fares will continue on interstate, ultra deluxe and non-stop services.
Published – 18 March 2026 19:11 IST
