Tamil Nadu expands free bus travel to persons with disabilities; ₹30,000 aid for AI-based assistive devices

Direct fact

In October 2026, the Tamil Nadu government expanded free bus travel for persons with disabilities to more categories of state-run buses and announced financial assistance of up to ₹30,000 for AI-based assistive devices.

Key specifics

• Free travel now covers மாநகர, நகர சாதாரண, விரைவுப் பேருந்துகள், தாழ்தளப் பேருந்துகள், LSS and டீலக்ஸ் buses, excluding air-conditioned buses.
• Eligibility continues for persons with 40% or more disability, along with one accompanying person, using the 16-digit UDIID card.
• The first phase for the expanded travel concession has been funded with ₹7.90 crore and made effective immediately.
• For AI-based advanced assistive devices and artificial limbs, the subsidy is 50% of the cost or a maximum of ₹30,000, whichever is lower.
• Applicants must obtain a government doctor’s recommendation and apply within 60 days of purchase at the district disability welfare office.

Exam lens

TNPSC Polity/Governance and Social Welfare question type: scheme expansion, eligibility, funding, and implementing authority. Key facts: October 2026, Tamil Nadu, UDIID 16-digit card, ₹7.90 crore, ₹30,000 subsidy. One-liner: Which state expanded free bus travel for persons with disabilities across multiple bus categories and linked it with AI-device assistance?