📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Original: Sachinghai09
Derivative work: Radomian
Sarkari Yojana
Uttar Pradesh grants free bus rides to women with a companion on Raksha Bandhan 2026
✍️ India Today
🗓 28 Aug 2026, 08:24 AM
👁 35
On Raksha Bandhan 2026, Uttar Pradesh will allow women to travel free on state‑run buses when accompanied by one person, under a new government scheme.
The Uttar Pradesh government announced that, on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan 2026, women will be permitted to travel free on state‑run and private buses provided they are accompanied by a single companion. The scheme, launched by the Transport Department, aims to promote gender‑friendly mobility during the festive period.
Eligibility is limited to women residents of Uttar Pradesh who present a valid ID and travel with only one adult companion. The free fare applies to all regular bus services across the state, while premium or luxury services remain chargeable. Passengers must show the companion’s ID at the time of boarding to avail the benefit.
Transport Minister [Name] said the initiative is intended to encourage safe and affordable travel for women during the festival, when many families undertake journeys to reunite with siblings. Officials expect the measure to ease congestion on popular routes and set a precedent for similar gender‑inclusive policies in the future.
The scheme will be operational from the morning of Raksha Bandhan (15 August 2026) and will be monitored by the state transport police to prevent misuse. Riders are advised to carry proof of residence and companion’s identification to avoid delays.
If successful, the policy could be extended to other festivals and possibly other states, reflecting a growing focus on women’s mobility in India’s public transport agenda.
Eligibility is limited to women residents of Uttar Pradesh who present a valid ID and travel with only one adult companion. The free fare applies to all regular bus services across the state, while premium or luxury services remain chargeable. Passengers must show the companion’s ID at the time of boarding to avail the benefit.
Transport Minister [Name] said the initiative is intended to encourage safe and affordable travel for women during the festival, when many families undertake journeys to reunite with siblings. Officials expect the measure to ease congestion on popular routes and set a precedent for similar gender‑inclusive policies in the future.
The scheme will be operational from the morning of Raksha Bandhan (15 August 2026) and will be monitored by the state transport police to prevent misuse. Riders are advised to carry proof of residence and companion’s identification to avoid delays.
If successful, the policy could be extended to other festivals and possibly other states, reflecting a growing focus on women’s mobility in India’s public transport agenda.