The Andhra Pradesh government has announced financial support under the Vahanamitra Scheme, bringing relief to thousands of drivers across the state. As per Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s decision, 2.90 lakh drivers will receive direct financial assistance of ₹15,000 each, totaling nearly ₹435 crore.
Beneficiaries: Around 2.90 lakh drivers, including auto-rickshaw, taxi, and maxi cab drivers who own and operate their vehicles.
Financial Support: Each driver will get ₹15,000 through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly into their bank accounts.
Comparison to Previous Govt: The earlier government offered only ₹10,000 per driver. The current coalition government has increased the support to ₹15,000.
The financial aid is expected to ease the daily struggles of drivers by helping them cover:
Vehicle maintenance, repairs, and servicing costs
Insurance renewals
Fuel and tire expenses
Children’s education
Household needs
Most drivers rely on daily earnings to sustain their families. Rising fuel costs and high maintenance expenses have pushed many into financial stress. The Vahanamitra aid will:
Reduce loan burdens
Improve vehicle upkeep
Provide economic stability to families
Enhance passenger services through better-maintained vehicles
Transport Department officials, led by Special Chief Secretary M.T. Krishna Babu, reviewed the implementation process with Commissioner Manish Kumar Sinha and other senior officers. They are finalizing the beneficiary lists based on the number of autos, taxis, and maxi cabs currently operating in the state.
The government is expected to roll out the financial transfers soon, bringing timely relief during the festive season.