New Freedom Yatra Scheme – In a historic move ahead of Independence Day celebrations, the Government of India has announced the launch of the Freedom Yatra Scheme for senior citizens starting 15 July 2025. The scheme provides 100% free travel for citizens aged 60 years and above across airlines, railways, and state buses, aiming to honour the contribution of elderly citizens to the country’s development. With over 7 crore seniors eligible, this landmark initiative is expected to revolutionize public travel for the elderly and offer them freedom, dignity, and mobility. Let’s take a closer look at the complete details, eligibility, benefits, and application process of this transformative scheme.
What is the Freedom Yatra Scheme 2025?
The Freedom Yatra Scheme is a nationwide senior citizen welfare program launched by the central government to allow free domestic travel for those aged 60 and above. Applicable from 15 July 2025, the scheme includes free tickets in domestic flights (economy class), Indian Railways (AC & Sleeper), and state-run buses. The goal is to encourage travel, independence, and connectivity among elderly citizens—while also ensuring they participate in cultural, spiritual, and social journeys.
Key Highlights of the Scheme:
- 100% free travel across India for senior citizens
- Applicable on air, train, and bus travel
- Launch date: 15 July 2025
- Age requirement: 60 years and above
- Both online and offline registration available
- Digital Freedom Card issued after verification
- No income bar or caste criteria
Who is Eligible for Free Travel?
To benefit from the Freedom Yatra Scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be an Indian citizen
- Age must be 60 years or above (as of July 15, 2025)
- Should have a valid government-issued ID (like Aadhaar or Voter ID)
- Must register under the scheme to obtain a Digital Freedom Card
- Physical fitness declaration (for air travel only)
Benefits Offered Under the Freedom Yatra Scheme
The scheme is packed with benefits that cover a wide range of travel needs for elderly individuals. Here’s a breakdown of what the beneficiaries will receive:
| Benefit Category | Coverage Type | Free for Seniors? | Frequency Allowed | Booking Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Flights | Economy Class (One-Way) | Yes | Twice per year | Online or CSC | Priority on AI, IndiGo, SpiceJet routes |
| Indian Railways | AC & Sleeper (Any Class) | Yes | Unlimited | IRCTC & Ticket Counters | Subject to seat availability |
| State Buses | Government Bus Services | Yes | Unlimited | Bus Depots/Apps | Free ticket with Freedom Card |
| Spiritual Tours | Govt-sponsored Yatra Trips | Yes | Once a year | Through State Portals | Optional package bookings available |
| Medical Travel | Inter-city for check-ups | Yes | As prescribed by doctor | Health Ministry Portal | Needs doctor-certified proof |
| Digital Freedom Card | ID for Free Travel | Yes | Valid for 3 years | Auto-issued post-KYC | Delivered via DigiLocker and post |
| Caretaker Inclusion | 50% discount for one helper | Partial | Limited to 2 trips | Must be registered | Age limit for caretaker: 21-59 |
How to Apply for the Freedom Yatra Scheme?
The application process has been made simple to encourage maximum participation:
Step-by-Step Registration Process:
- Visit the official portal: freedomyatra.gov.in
- Click on “Register Now”
- Enter Aadhaar number and verify via OTP
- Upload photo, age proof, and select preferred travel mode
- Choose delivery method for Digital Freedom Card (email/post)
- Submit the application
Once verified, the Digital Freedom Card will be generated and sent within 7 days.
Alternatively, applicants can visit nearest Common Service Centres (CSCs) with documents for offline registration.
Documents Required
Here is a checklist of the essential documents required during application:
- Aadhaar Card (for identity & age proof)
- Passport-sized photograph
- Mobile number linked with Aadhaar
- Voter ID / PAN Card (optional, for added verification)
- Doctor’s certificate (only for medical travel)
States & Cities Covered in the First Phase
In the initial rollout, the Freedom Yatra Scheme will cover the following regions:
| State | Major Cities Included | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | Lucknow, Varanasi, Kanpur | Kashi Yatra special trains scheduled |
| Maharashtra | Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur | MSRTC bus routes fully integrated |
| Tamil Nadu | Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore | State-run air subsidies included |
| Delhi | Delhi NCR | Metro may join in future phase |
| West Bengal | Kolkata, Durgapur, Siliguri | Shakti Express trains added |
| Gujarat | Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara | Sabarmati travel priority listed |
| Rajasthan | Jaipur, Udaipur, Ajmer | Senior tourism train packages offered |
| Karnataka | Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru | KSRTC fully integrated with the scheme |
More states and cities will be added after October 2025 based on rollout success.
Key Government Departments Involved
This massive initiative involves coordination across multiple departments:
- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
- Ministry of Railways
- Ministry of Civil Aviation
- State Transport Authorities
- NIC (for Digital Card Issuance)
The Freedom Yatra Scheme 2025 is a landmark initiative offering completely free domestic travel for India’s elderly population. By granting them unrestricted access to trains, flights, and buses, the government is not only ensuring convenience and mobility but also recognizing the years of contribution by senior citizens to the nation. Citizens above 60 are encouraged to register immediately to take advantage of this transformative opportunity.
FAQs
1. Is this scheme only available for people above 60 years?
Yes, only Indian citizens aged 60 years and above are eligible.
2. Can I book travel tickets for my parents under this scheme?
Yes, once registered and issued a Digital Freedom Card, you can book on their behalf using their details.
3. Is there any income limit or reservation requirement to apply?
No, the scheme is open to all senior citizens regardless of income, caste, or religion.
4. Can the Digital Freedom Card be used for metro travel?
As of now, metro systems are not covered, but integration is expected in future phases.
5. How many free flight tickets are allowed per year?
Senior citizens can avail up to two free domestic flight tickets annually under this scheme.