The BMC has announced a new scheme to provide free BEST bus travel for persons with disabilities, allocating ₹7.64 crore to cover all disability categories in non-AC buses.
- Free travel in BEST non-AC buses for persons with 40% or more disability.
- BMC to provide a grant-in-aid of ₹7.64 crore for the scheme.
- First time BEST offers concessions across all disability categories.
- The funding will be drawn from the BMC's gender budget.
In a significant move toward social inclusivity, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a new free-travel scheme for persons with disabilities in BEST buses. The proposal, which will be tabled before the standing committee on September 9, aims to provide free travel in non-AC buses to individuals with a disability of 40 percent or more, as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
This landmark decision marks the first time that BEST will extend concessions to all categories of disability. Currently, the undertaking only provides free travel to visually impaired passengers. The new scheme is expected to cost the civic body approximately ₹7.64 crore, a significant increase from the ₹4.38 crore allocated for visually impaired commuters last year.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that while this is a progressive step for urban accessibility, it arrives at a precarious financial moment for the civic body. BMC's fixed deposits have seen a staggering decline of over ₹10,000 crore in the last five years, dropping from ₹91,690 crore in 2021-22 to ₹81,449 crore in 2024-25.
Expanding transport concessions to all disability categories is a vital step in making Mumbai a truly inclusive metropolis.
The financial implications are being managed through the BMC's gender budget. To ensure transparency, the BMC has proposed strict financial safeguards. BEST will be required to submit quarterly audited bills, along with electronic ticket issuing machine reports and travel-card records, to monitor the expenditure effectively.
| Feature | Current Status | New Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| Beneficiaries | Visually Impaired Only | All Disability Categories (40%+) |
| Bus Type | Various | Non-AC Buses Only |
| Annual Budget (Est.) | ₹4.38 Crore | ₹7.64 Crore |
It is important to note that AC buses, which have a higher minimum fare, are excluded from this free-travel mandate. The potential impact is massive, given that the 2011 Census estimated around 3.4 lakh persons with disabilities residing in Mumbai.
Historical Background
The BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) undertaking has been the backbone of Mumbai's public transport for over a century. While various concessions have existed for specific groups, the systemic integration of all disability categories into the free-travel framework represents a major shift in municipal policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are AC buses included in the free travel scheme?
No, the concession is strictly limited to non-AC BEST buses.
2. What is the eligibility criteria for this scheme?
Beneficiaries must have a certified disability of 40% or more under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
