The Nagaland State Transport Department will be issuing Free Travel Pass to the persons with disabilities (PwDs) to travel in NST passenger buses within Nagaland. This notification is in compliance to Section 41 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, that provides access to transportation facilities at bus stops, railway stations and airports conforming to the accessibility standards relating to parking space, toilets, ticketing counters and ticketing machines to the PwDs.
How to get the Free Travel Pass
Pass will be issued from the Office of the General Manager, NST, Nagaland, Dimapur, on payment of Rs. 50 and that applicants may submit their applications directly to the Office of the General Manager, NST, Nagaland, Dimapur, or through the District NST Office.
Validity
The Pass is valid for two years and will be renewable against payment of Rs. 20.
In case of any damage/lost, new Free Travel Pass will be issued on payment of Rs. 50.
Proof of eligibility
For identification of Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBDs) to avail Free Travel Facilities in NST, Unique Disability Identify (UDID) Card issued from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of India, or valid Disability Certificate issued by a competent Authorized Medical Board, shall be prerequisite for eligibility.
Facilities
The Free Travel Facility for PwDs is permissible for both to and from, including break journey, or from the originating to the terminating station shall be considered as completion of one stretch of journey.
Free Travel Facility will be limited to 4 (four) seats in a particular bus in open space behind the Driver’s seat in the first and second row. The seat shall be reserved and marked accordingly.
Advance booking
For availing the facilities, a request in advance or at least 1 (one) day ahead of departure of the bus, shall be preferred subject to availability of seat for that purpose.
Companion of PwBDs
Companion, if any, of the PwBDs will have to pay full fare against prior reservation on request to occupy a seat next to the PwBDs.
However, for a PwBD with 80%, or more disabilities or multiple disabilities who require assistance, free travel bus travel facility will be allowed to one associate/assistant.
Forewarning
This Free Travel Facility shall be non-transferable and any imposter so detected shall be liable to prosecution. Any Pass that is misused shall be cancelled.
