Jammu and Kashmir GoFree Bus Service Scheme

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

The Jammu & Kashmir GoFree Bus Service Scheme is a free bus travel scheme for differently-abled persons in Jammu and Kashmir. Under this scheme, eligible Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) can travel free of cost on covered public transport services across the Union Territory. The facility covers JKRTC buses and Smart City e-Buses. Eligible passengers do not have to pay the bus fare or a partial concession amount for covered services.

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir sanctioned the scheme in September 2026. It fulfils the commitment made by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the Jammu and Kashmir Budget 2026-27, which was presented in March 2026. The Transport Department brought the facility into force with immediate effect through a government order. The service covers buses operated by the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC), along with e-Buses operated by Jammu Smart City Limited and Srinagar Smart City Limited.

The free bus travel for disabled persons in Jammu and Kashmir is intended to reduce the daily transport cost faced by persons with disabilities. Free travel can make it easier for eligible passengers to travel for work, education, medical visits and other personal needs. The government has linked the initiative with better accessibility, easier travel and inclusive mobility across Jammu and Kashmir.

Eligibility for the J&K GoFree Bus Service Scheme is based on disability status and valid disability proof. The beneficiary must be a Person with Disability domiciled in Jammu and Kashmir. They must hold a valid Disability Certificate or Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card issued under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The scheme has no age limit and no income limit, so PwDs of every age group and economic background qualify. The available government communication does not specify a minimum disability percentage.

The GoFree Bus Service Scheme adds another category of beneficiaries to Jammu and Kashmir's existing free public transport initiatives. The government already provides free bus travel for women under the Zero-Ticket Travel Initiative, which started on 1 April 2025. Women can travel free on covered JKRTC buses and Smart City e-Buses by showing their Aadhaar card to the conductor. Free travel for schoolgirls was also introduced at the same time. The GoFree Bus Service Scheme now extends free public transport benefits to eligible differently-abled residents of Jammu and Kashmir.

There is currently no separate online application process announced for the GoFree Bus Service Scheme. Eligible PwDs can use the covered bus services with their valid Disability Certificate or UDID Card. Passengers should carry their disability proof while travelling and follow the instructions issued by the concerned transport authorities.

Scheme Benefits

The Jammu & Kashmir GoFree Bus Service Scheme provides free public transport access to eligible Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). The facility covers JKRTC services as well as e-Buses operated by Jammu Smart City Limited and Srinagar Smart City Limited.

• Eligible PwDs can travel free of cost on covered public transport services in Jammu & Kashmir.
• The free travel facility covers eligible JKRTC bus services.
• Valid on Jammu Smart City and Srinagar Smart City e-Buses.
• No age limit, so children, adults and senior citizens with disabilities all qualify.
• No income limit, so earnings or family income do not affect the benefit.
• No separate application or registration process has been announced for the scheme.
• Available across the entire Union Territory and already in effect.

Eligibility Requirements

The Jammu & Kashmir GoFree Bus Service Scheme is available to eligible Persons with Disabilities (PwDs who meet the requirements communicated by the government. Beneficiaries must have valid disability proof to avail the free travel facility.

• The applicant must be a Person with Disability (PwD).
• The applicant must be a domicile of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
• The applicant must hold a valid Disability Certificate or a Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card.
• The certificate or UDID Card must be issued by the competent authority under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
• There is no age restriction under the scheme.
• There is no income restriction under the scheme.
• No minimum disability percentage has been specified in the information released so far.

The detailed operational guidelines annexed to the Transport Department's order have not been published. Any further conditions, including a benchmark disability requirement, would be governed by those guidelines.

Required Documents

The available government communication specifically mentions valid disability proof for eligible beneficiaries. No separate list of supporting documents has been published in the sources currently available.

• Valid Disability Certificate issued by the competent authority, or
• Valid UDID Card.

No other document has been specifically mentioned in the available official communication for availing the GoFree Bus Service.

Steps to Apply

No application or registration process has been announced for the GoFree Bus Service Scheme. Eligibility is established through a valid Disability Certificate or UDID Card, so the steps below cover how to avail free travel and how to obtain the required card if you do not already have one.

How to Avail Free Travel

1. Ensure your Disability Certificate or UDID Card is valid and issued by the competent authority.
2. Carry the certificate or card with you whenever you travel.
3. Board any JKRTC bus or Jammu or Srinagar Smart City e-Bus.
4. Produce the certificate or UDID Card if asked by the conductor or staff.
5. Travel free of cost without paying any fare.

How to Apply for a UDID Card or Disability Certificate

1. Visit the official UDID portal at https://www.swavlambancard.gov.in/.
2. Click on the option to apply for a Disability Certificate and UDID Card.
3. Register using your name, mobile number, Aadhaar number and address, and create a login ID and password.
4. Fill in the application form with your disability type and other required details.
5. Upload scanned copies of your ID proof, address proof, photograph and any medical records or existing disability certificate.
6. Select the government hospital or medical authority for your disability assessment.
7. Submit the application and track its status using your login credentials.
8. Download and print your UDID Card once it is issued.

The exact procedure to be followed while boarding is set out in the operational guidelines annexed to the Transport Department's order, which have not been made public.

Relevant Links

• Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation Portal.
• Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disability
• Jammu and Kashmir Social Welfare Department

Contact Information

• JKSRTC Helpline Number: 0191-2577475