Uttar Pradesh launches women-only bus scheme for safer, dignified travel

The Lokmata Ahilya Bai Matri Shakti Yatra Scheme was formally launched in Gonda district on August 26, 2026, with the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister flagging off special buses through a live broadcast at Venkatacharya Club. The transport department initiative aims to provide safe, accessible, and dignified travel options for women across the state, marking a significant step toward women's empowerment and mobility.

District Magistrate Priyanka Niranjan, Chief Development Officer Dayanand Prasad, BJP District President Akbal Bahadur Tiwari, Block Chief Representative Jharjhari Ashish Mishra, and Women's Front official Beena Rai attended the event along with other officials and public representatives. The ceremony witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 700 women who gathered to witness the live broadcast of the Chief Minister's flag-off ceremony and learn about the new transport scheme.

Officials addressed the gathering, explaining the objectives of the Lokmata Ahilya Bai Matri Shakti Yatra Scheme and its role in women's empowerment. The initiative is designed to ensure better, safer, and more convenient transport facilities for women. The live telecast of the Chief Minister's flag-off was watched with great enthusiasm by the women and representatives present. Attendees expressed appreciation for this initiative, recognizing its potential impact on women's daily lives.

As a token of respect and celebration, sarees and sweets were distributed to more than 700 women at the venue, bringing visible joy to their faces. Officials and representatives interacted with the women, urging them to benefit from various government welfare schemes and to spread awareness among other women in their communities. ARM Roadways, DRDA Project Director Sushil Kumar Pandey, DC NRLM JN Rao, Additional District Panchayat Raj Officer GD Jain, and other concerned officials were present.

The program concluded on an enthusiastic note with all attendees pledging to spread awareness about this women's empowerment and safe transport initiative throughout the community. The large turnout of women made the event particularly impactful and successful.