2000 additional buses to offer free Raksha Bandhan travel for women statewide

Lucknow : On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, the Uttar Pradesh government has arranged 24-hour free travel on Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) buses for mothers, sisters, and daughters. Following the directive of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, 2,000 additional buses will be deployed on Monday, August 19, to ensure that women can travel without inconvenience despite the increased passenger load during the festival.

For several years, the Yogi government has offered free bus travel for women on Raksha Bandhan. This year, the service will be available from midnight on August 18 to midnight on August 19. This initiative is expected to benefit lakhs of women across the state.

Following Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s directives, the Transport Corporation has implemented several key measures to ensure safe, smooth, and free travel for women on Raksha Bandhan. To accommodate passengers, 2,000 additional buses have been deployed across various routes statewide. Bus services will be adjusted based on expected passenger loads, with extra buses assigned to high-demand areas. Drivers and conductors have been instructed to wear uniforms and maintain courteous behavior.

In addition to offering free travel, the Yogi government has introduced special incentives for drivers and conductors. For the Raksha Bandhan period and the upcoming police examination, they will receive a Rs 3,000 bonus for 15 days to ensure their presence and smooth operation of services. Workshop and technical staff will also receive up to Rs 1,200 in incentives.

The unwavering commitment to safety and efficiency is evident from the comprehensive measures that have been put in place. All crew members have been briefed on the accident-free operation. Contracted buses will be in service, with staff scheduled according to the roster. Measures will include maintaining the cleanliness of the bus and bus stand, rigorous route inspections, breathalyzer tests for drivers and conductors, and providing seating for passengers outside designated stops.

Govt to offer free travel for women on city buses in 15 major cities

In addition to the Transport Corporation buses, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has mandated free travel for women on urban buses across 15 major cities in the state during Rakshabandhan. The Urban Development Department has directed that this free travel facility be available from midnight on August 18 to midnight on August 19. The 15 cities where this service will be offered include Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Meerut, Agra, Mathura-Vrindavan, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Moradabad, Aligarh, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Ghaziabad, Ayodhya, and Jhansi.