Yogi launches free bus travel for UP women during Raksha Bandhan festival

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched a special initiative offering free bus travel for women during the Raksha Bandhan festival. Under the scheme named "Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrishakti Yatra," all women across the state can travel free of charge on Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation buses from August 27 to 29, 2025. Additionally, the Chief Minister announced that women aged 60 years and above will now be eligible for free bus travel throughout the year.

The program was inaugurated at a ceremony held at Jupiter Hall in Indira Gandhi Pratishtan, Lucknow, where the Chief Minister flagged off special buses. A live telecast of the event was organized at Utthan Auditorium in Bahraich, attended by State Minister for Urban Development Rakesh Kumar Rathour, District Panchayat President Manju Singh, MLC Dr. Pragya Tripathi, and several other public representatives and officials.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Rathour explained that the initiative aims to enable sisters to reach their brothers and family members safely, easily, and conveniently during Raksha Bandhan. He emphasized that free bus travel would not only ease women's commute but also provide financial relief. The minister noted that the state government is continuously working toward ensuring the safety, dignity, and convenience of women, and this initiative reflects its women-friendly approach.

Officials and public representatives present at the ceremony praised this welfare measure, calling it a significant step toward safe, accessible, and convenient transportation for women. The scheme is expected to help women travel to their parental homes and relatives' places easily during the festival, allowing them to participate fully in the celebrations. On the occasion, sarees and sweets were distributed to women attendees as Raksha Bandhan gifts. Minister Rathour directed officials to ensure smooth operation of the free bus service and to pay special attention to the safety and comfort of women passengers during their journey.