Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced that auto drivers will receive ₹15,000 financial assistance under the Vahana Mitra Scheme on the occasion of Dasara. The scheme, which was earlier limited, will now also cover cab and taxi drivers who own and operate their vehicles.
According to official estimates, about 2.75 lakh beneficiaries were eligible in 2023–24 , but the number is expected to increase to nearly 2.90 lakh this year. To implement the scheme, the state government will spend approximately ₹435 crore.
During the previous YSRCP government, beneficiaries received only ₹10,000 each under the same scheme. Chandrababu’s decision to enhance the assistance amount to ₹15,000 is being projected as a move to provide greater support to drivers during the festive season. The scheme is expected to bring financial relief to thousands of families dependent on auto, cab, and taxi services.
