The Andhra Pradesh government’s Vahana Mitra Scheme (Auto Driver Sevalo) 2025 provides annual financial assistance of ₹15,000 to help drivers cover vehicle expenses and also compensates for income lost due to the state’s free bus travel policy.
Many drivers are asking if they can still get this money if their auto is old, unfit, or temporarily off the road.
The confusion arises because the government has announced a one-time relaxation that allows applications without producing a fitness certificate upfront.
This article explains how this rule works, whether unfit or scrapped autos with a valid RC can get the benefit, and what drivers need to do to stay eligible under the Vahana Mitra Scheme.
What Is an Unfit or Scrapped Auto and a Valid RC?
A condemned vehicle is one officially declared by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) as unfit for use on public roads due to reasons such as age, safety issues, major damage, or failure to meet emission standards.
Usually, when a vehicle is condemned, its Registration Certificate (RC) is canceled or suspended, and it cannot be legally operated.
However, some vehicles may still have a valid RC even if they are in poor condition. This can happen if:
- The vehicle is temporarily unfit but can be repaired.
- Repairs are already underway.
- The RTO records are not yet updated.
Do Autos Need a Fitness Certificate for Vahana Mitra 2025?
For the 2025 financial year, auto-rickshaw drivers have been granted a one-time exemption from submitting a fitness certificate at the time of application under the Vahana Mitra Scheme.
This exemption allows beneficiaries to apply using only a valid Registration Certificate (RC). The measure is intended to reduce immediate costs and give drivers more time to complete mandatory compliance procedures, such as vehicle inspection and renewal of the fitness certificate.
Importantly, the exemption does not extend eligibility to permanently scrapped or unrepairable vehicles. Instead, it indirectly benefits drivers whose autos are repairable but temporarily unfit for road use.
In such cases, applicants can receive financial support while arranging for repairs, and once the vehicle passes inspection and obtains a valid fitness certificate, it can legally resume commercial passenger service.
Conditions for the Exemption:
- The beneficiary must obtain a valid fitness certificate within one month.
- The exemption applies only to auto-rickshaws, not to taxis or maxi cabs, which must produce a fitness certificate at the time of application.
- The official scheme guidelines do not specify any penalties for failing to submit the fitness certificate within this period, but beneficiaries are encouraged to comply to ensure full eligibility.
Can an Unfit or Scrapped Auto with a Valid RC Get Vahana Mitra Benefits?
An auto that is unfit or temporarily out of service but still has a valid Registration Certificate (RC) does not automatically qualify for the Vahana Mitra Scheme.
Eligibility depends on the vehicle’s condition and whether it can be restored to roadworthy status.
- Repairable condition: If the auto is temporarily unfit for road use but repairable within 30 days, the driver may apply using the valid RC. The ₹15,000 assistance can be used to fund essential repairs and obtain the required fitness certificate so the vehicle can return to commercial passenger service.
- Irreparable condition: If the vehicle is permanently scrapped or beyond repair, it is not eligible. The scheme aims to support active commercial drivers and roadworthy vehicles.
What Can Drivers Do If Their Auto Is Unfit or Scrapped?
If your auto or cab is condemned, consider the following steps to potentially avail Vahana Mitra benefits:
How to Handle Vehicle Verification
During verification, authorities may check the vehicle’s status via RTO records or physical inspection.
Be prepared to explain the vehicle’s condition and your plan to restore it, especially if it’s currently non-operational.
Replace Your Auto with a Roadworthy Vehicle
Purchase or register a new or used passenger vehicle (auto-rickshaw, taxi, or maxi cab) that meets RTO standards. Ensure it has a valid RC, fitness certificate, and is registered in your name as a passenger vehicle.
Use Auto Scrappage Policy for Benefits
Use the Andhra Pradesh Vehicle Scrappage Policy (aligned with national guidelines) to surrender your unfit vehicle at a registered scrappage facility. You may receive a certificate for tax benefits or discounts on a new vehicle, which can then be used to apply for the Vahana Mitra.
Appeal If Your Auto Was Marked Unfit by Mistake
If your auto was recently marked as “condemned” but you believe it can still be fixed, you can approach your local RTO. After making the required repairs, you may request them to review the vehicle again.
If the RTO agrees and updates the records, your Registration Certificate (RC) can be restored. Once reinstated, your auto becomes eligible to apply for the Vahana Mitra Scheme.
Also read: Vahana Mitra Payment Not Credited? – Reasons and Solutions
Proposal: Support Drivers with Repairable Unfit Autos
Currently, vehicles declared condemned are generally ineligible for the Vahana Mitra Scheme.
However, in cases where a vehicle is repairable, the scheme could be updated to allow owners to receive benefits under the following conditions:
Suggested Conditions for Eligibility
- Repairable Status Verification: The local RTO should inspect the vehicle and certify it as repairable.
- Estimated Repair Cost: The owner must submit a reasonable estimate for repairing the vehicle to roadworthy condition.
- Repair Timeline: Repairs should be completed within a defined period (e.g., 30–60 days) from the date of scheme approval.
- Documentation: Submission of repair bills, fitness certificate, and updated RC after repairs.
Implementing these changes would enable financially disadvantaged auto drivers to continue availing the Vahana Mitra Scheme without losing benefits due to temporarily unroadworthy vehicles, while maintaining safety and compliance standards.
Conclusion: Why Repairable Autos Should Still Get Vahana Mitra Benefits
Most auto-rickshaw drivers who support their families belong to economically disadvantaged and marginalized communities.
A large number of them purchase vehicles through finance, and sometimes, due to delayed payments, the finance companies may repossess the vehicles. Additionally, minor repairs may temporarily prevent autos from being in running condition.
In such cases, it would be unfair to declare these drivers ineligible for Vahana Mitra Scheme benefits solely because the vehicle is not currently in their possession or temporarily unfit for road use.
Field verification officers should consider these minor issues and ensure that deserving drivers continue to receive support.
By considering repairable autos with valid RCs, the scheme can effectively provide ₹15,000 financial assistance to drivers, helping them restore their vehicles and maintain their livelihood through commercial passenger service.
Disclaimer:
The suggestions about extending Vahana Mitra benefits to repairable autos with valid RCs represent my personal opinion and are not official government rules. Currently, under the scheme guidelines (G.O.Ms No.33, 13.09.2025), only operational passenger vehicles are eligible. Readers should verify eligibility and requirements with the local RTO or GSWS department before applying. This article does not guarantee benefits or changes to the official scheme.