Patna: In a major welfare initiative, the Bihar government has announced free bus travel for recognised freedom fighters, veterans of the Jayaprakash (JP) Movement and persons with disabilities (PwDs) on ordinary buses operated by the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC). The move comes at a time when public transport costs have risen following the revision of government bus fares from June 1.
The scheme is intended to reduce the financial burden on eligible passengers while recognising their contribution to the nation and society. However, beneficiaries will be required to obtain a Free Travel Pass before availing themselves of the facility.
Who is Eligible?
The free travel benefit will be available to:
- Recognised freedom fighters and JP Movement veterans holding government-issued recognition certificates.
- Persons with disabilities possessing a valid disability certificate.
- The government said the initiative reflects its commitment to ensuring accessible and affordable public transport for deserving sections of society.
Free Travel Pass Mandatory
Passengers must carry a valid BSRTC Free Travel Pass while travelling. Those without the pass may be charged the regular fare by bus conductors, even if they otherwise qualify for the scheme.
To simplify the process, the government has introduced an easy application procedure through BSRTC regional offices.
Documents Required
Applicants will need to submit the following documents:
- Government-issued Freedom Fighter or JP Movement recognition certificate (where applicable).
- Valid disability certificate (for PwDs).
- Aadhaar Card photocopy.
- Passport-size photographs.
The pass will be issued only after verification of the submitted documents.
Where to Apply
Eligible beneficiaries can visit their nearest BSRTC regional office, fill out the prescribed application form and submit the required documents. Following verification, BSRTC will issue a personalised Free Travel Pass carrying the passenger’s name and photograph.
Bus Services Covered
The facility will be available only on ordinary BSRTC buses operating across Bihar. It will not apply to Volvo, Deluxe or privately operated bus services.
The government has also clarified that the Free Travel Pass will be issued without any application fee, allowing beneficiaries to travel without purchasing tickets on eligible BSRTC services.
A Welfare Measure with a Message
The initiative combines financial assistance with public recognition. While freedom fighters and JP Movement veterans played a significant role in strengthening India’s democratic values, persons with disabilities continue to overcome social and physical challenges in everyday life. By offering free travel, the Bihar government seeks to make public transport more inclusive while acknowledging the contributions of these communities.
