Haryana News: Haryana Roadways has announced that it would be offering free bus services in ordinary Haryana Roadways buses to ‘Divyang’ persons with 40 to 99 percent disability.
A notification for the same issued on April 24 by the State Transport Department’s Administrative Secretary after consultation with Finance Department. The move is expected to benefit more than 1.22 lakh ‘Divyang’ persons in the state.
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In a significant step toward inclusive mobility, the Haryana Roadways has announced a major expansion of its free travel scheme for differently-abled individuals, often referred to as ‘Divyang’ citizens.
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To understand the impact of this move, it’s important to look at the scale of Haryana’s public transport system. Haryana Roadways operates an extensive network comprising 24 depots and 13 sub-depots. Every day, approximately 4,108 buses travel nearly 11.38 lakh kilometres, serving over 6 lakh passengers.
Currently, nearly 40 categories of passengers benefit from free or concessional travel. These include students, senior citizens and various marginalized groups. However, the latest update specifically addresses long-standing concerns within the Divyang community.
For years, Divyang individuals and advocacy groups have pushed for broader eligibility criteria. Their argument was simple that disability exists on a spectrum, and mobility barriers do not disappear just because someone is not classified as 100 percent disabled.
Recognizing this concern, the Haryana government has now extended free travel in ordinary buses to individuals with 40 to 99 percent disability. This marks a significant policy shift – one that acknowledges inclusivity beyond rigid categories.
While the financial relief is undeniably important, the deeper impact lies in dignity and participation. Accessible and affordable transport empowers individuals to be active members of society rather than passive dependents.
