Tamil Nadu Govt Cuts Free Bicycle Prices by Up to 32% for School Students

The Tamil Nadu government has negotiated lower prices for 5.32 lakh free bicycles for school students. Hero Cycles has agreed to reduce its initial rates after nine rounds of negotiations.

The revised deal will keep the procurement cost within the state government's budget of INR 277 crore. The bicycles will be distributed to Class 11 students studying in government and government-aided schools during the 2026-27 academic year.

The price reduction is over 27% for boys' bicycles and nearly 32% for girls' bicycles.

How Much Will Tamil Nadu Pay for Each Bicycle?

Hero Cycles initially quoted more than INR 7,000 for each bicycle. The government negotiated lower prices to avoid exceeding its allocated budget.

The revised prices and number of beneficiaries are given below.

The government will procure 5,32,388 bicycles. The revised procurement cost is approximately INR 274 crore, which is within the allocated budget of INR 277 crore.

What Facilities Will Students Get with Free Bicycles?

The government has planned to provide modern bicycles instead of the older designs. The new bicycles will include:

• Helmets for student safety.
• Water bottle holders.
• Thicker bicycle frames.
• Wider tyres.
• Maintenance kits for schools.

The helmets must meet the IS 18808:2025 safety standard. Water bottles must follow the IS 10910:1984 standard. Around 4,500 schools will also receive two maintenance kits each.

Who Is Eligible for the Tamil Nadu Free Bicycle Scheme?

Class 11 students enrolled in government and government-aided schools across Tamil Nadu will benefit from the scheme.

The free bicycle scheme was introduced in 2001. Initially, it covered only Adi Dravidar and Scheduled Tribe students studying in Class 11 in government schools.

In 2006, the government expanded the scheme to include all Class 11 students in government and government-aided schools.

What Is the Budget for the Free Bicycle Scheme in 2026-27?

The Tamil Nadu government has allocated INR 277 crore for the scheme in the 2026-27 Budget. The revised agreement with Hero Cycles brings the procurement cost to approximately INR 274 crore.

The price negotiations have helped the government stay within its budget while including additional safety features and improved bicycle specifications.

Tamil Nadu Free Bicycle Scheme FAQs