UPSRTC launches free bus service for women on Raksha Bandhan

Overview

Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has announced free bus travel for women during the Raksha Bandhan festival. The initiative aims to make travel easier, safer and more accessible for women across the state.

Key Details

• Duration: Free travel from 6:00 AM on August 8 to midnight on August 10 (three days).
• Eligibility: Women of all ages on all categories of UPSRTC buses (state-run, city, and contracted services).
• Accompanying passenger: Each woman may bring one accompanying family member free of charge.
• Scope: Estimated benefit to around 20 lakh women across the state; additional buses deployed in major depots including Noida, Greater Noida, Lucknow, Agra, Meerut and others.
• Safety measures: Breath-analyzer checks for drivers, enhanced staffing at busy stations, and special duty allocations to manage peak travel.
• Operational boost: Extra CNG and contracted buses deployed — e.g., Noida depot: 181 CNG buses; Greater Noida: 117 buses.
• Historical note: This marks the ninth consecutive year UPSRTC is offering free bus travel to women on Raksha Bandhan.

Why this matters

The initiative reduces travel costs during the festival rush and promotes safe mobility for women returning home to celebrate Raksha Bandhan with family. It also helps decongest private vehicles and supports eco-friendly public transport usage.

Important tips for travelers

1. Carry a valid photo ID (Aadhar, driving license, or voter ID) if required by staff for identification.
2. Arrive at major depots early to avoid long queues; expect higher footfall during peak hours (evening of August 8 and morning/evening of August 9–10).
3. Follow instructions of station staff; cooperate with safety checks for smooth operations.
4. Keep a mobile number handy and use UPSRTC helpline or depot numbers for real-time updates if necessary.

Quote

“This special service is an effort to ensure sisters and daughters can travel safely and comfortably during Raksha Bandhan,” said a UPSRTC official.

Local deployment examples

• Noida: 181 CNG buses deployed.
• Greater Noida: 117 buses added.
• Other districts: Meerut, Bijnor, Agra, Badaun, Mainpuri, Lucknow and more receiving added services and contracted buses.

Conclusion

The free bus service by UPSRTC during Raksha Bandhan is a large-scale, state-run effort to support women’s mobility and safety during a major festival period. Travelers should plan ahead and check with local depots for any last-minute route or schedule updates.

Hashtags

#UPSRTC #RakshaBandhan #FreeTravel #WomenSafety #UPNews #PublicTransport