Every year, Raksha Bandhan is a celebration of the beautiful bond between brothers and sisters. This year, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is making that reunion even easier and more special with a wonderful gift: free bus rides for women all across Uttar Pradesh. This thoughtful initiative, managed by the UP State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC), is designed to make festive travel simpler, safer, and completely free for women traveling to celebrate.
Free Bus Travel: What You Need to Know
This year’s free bus rides for women will be available for a full 48 hours, from midnight on August 8th to midnight on August 10th, 2025. That means you can travel without paying a single rupee on all of UPSRTC’s city and regular buses, no matter which district you’re in. This fantastic offer applies to every government-run bus, so whether you’re traveling in rural or urban areas, you’re covered.
A Special Rakhi Gift from the Chief Minister
This initiative is part of Yogi Adityanath’s ongoing commitment to women’s welfare and safety in Uttar Pradesh. The Chief Minister himself called it a “small gift for sisters on Raksha Bandhan.” In a statement, he shared, “Raksha Bandhan is a festival that celebrates the sacred bond of brothers and sisters. It is our responsibility to ensure our sisters can travel comfortably and safely to tie a rakhi.”
By offering free bus travel, the government also aims to reduce traffic congestion and encourage the use of public transport during this busy festival period.
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Empowerment and Safety for Women
This isn’t a one-off effort; the initiative is a key part of the UP government’s broader mission to enhance women’s safety, empowerment, and access to public services. Over the years, the government has launched several schemes aimed at protecting women, including:
- Pink Booths for female passengers at bus stations.
- Women-only buses in major cities.
- Emergency helplines and safety apps.
By providing free bus rides for women, the Yogi Adityanath government is once again reinforcing its dedication to making public transportation a safer and more comfortable experience for everyone.
A Simple Guide to Traveling for Free
UPSRTC has given clear instructions to all bus staff: all women passengers are to be allowed to travel without a ticket. Just remember to carry a valid ID card, which you may be asked to show to avoid misuse of the facility.
You can take advantage of this on the following services:
- UPSRTC Ordinary Buses
- City Bus Services
- Janrath and Rural Buses (where available)
To ensure a smooth journey during the festival rush, special control rooms will also be set up to handle any passenger complaints.
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Public Response and Expected Benefits
The public response to this decision has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media is buzzing with gratitude from women calling it a “beautiful and practical gesture.” Many women who might have found it difficult to arrange transport due to cost or distance are now more enthusiastic about traveling home for Rakhi.
As one student from Lucknow, Rina Sharma, put it, “This is such a relief for students like me who are away from home. I can go home to my family without worrying about the bus fare.”
This thoughtful campaign is expected to benefit many, including students, working women, and women living in remote areas of Uttar Pradesh, helping them connect with their families.
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Past Successes Inspire Expansion
The UP government had previously introduced this scheme in 2023 and 2024, and both years saw massive public participation. This isn’t the first time the Yogi Adityanath government has provided this gift. The scheme was a huge success in previous years, and encouraged by that response, it has now become a recurring annual initiative. This year, the free bus rides for women will be available on over 20,000 buses statewide, with extra staff and emergency services on standby to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all travelers.
Outreach for Women Across UP
The move is especially beneficial for women living in remote and rural areas of Uttar Pradesh. Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Bareilly, and Meerut districts will likely see maximum utilization.
The step will be useful not just for city dwellers but also for migrant women, students, and working women who rely on state transport to join family members during festivals.
Conclusion: A Gift Beyond Just a Ride
By offering free bus rides for women on Raksha Bandhan, the Yogi Adityanath government has done more than just ease festive travel. It has sent a powerful message of support, social welfare, and cultural sensitivity, making this special day even more meaningful for the sisters of Uttar Pradesh. It’s a gift that goes beyond just a ride – it’s a celebration of safety, dignity, and the unbreakable bond of family.
