Schin Malik Lucknow: To ensure that sisters do not have to worry about travel expenses While reaching their brothers on Raksha Bandhan, the Yogi Government has been Providing the Gift of free bus travel to women continuously since 2017. Under this initiative, which has been implemented for nine consecutive Raksha Bandhan festivals from 2017 to 2025, more than 2.01 crore free tickets were issued to women. The equivalent fare value of these tickets is estimated at ₹188.41 crore. This means that during the tenure of the Yogi Government, women and sisters have received the benefit of free travel worth ₹188.41 crore on Raksha Bandhan.
Free Travel for Sisters Continues Since 2017
The Yogi Government launched the initiative of free bus travel for women on Raksha Bandhan in 2017. The facility continued every Year through 2025. Over these nine Years, the number of women benefiting from the Scheme Steadily increased, with more than 2.01 crore free tickets issued by 2025.
Free Travel Gift Worth ₹188.41 Crore
According to Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) data, the equivalent fare value of free tickets issued to women during Raksha Bandhan from 2017 to 2025 Stands at approximately ₹188.41 Crore.
In 2025, One Companion Also Allowed Free Travel
In 2025, the Yogi Government further enhanced the Raksha Bandhan travel facility by allowing one companion accompanying each woman to travel free of cost. From 6 a.m. on August 8, 2025, until midnight on August 10, a total Period of 66 hours, approximately 63.14 lakh women Passengers and more than 15.11 lakh companions received the benefit of free travel. During this Period, more than 78.26 lakh free tickets were issued, with a total fare value of approximately ₹86.98 Crore.
Trust of Sisters Continued to Grow Every Year
According to the data, 11,16,332 women availed themselves of the facility in 2017. The number Stood at 11,69,226 in 2018, 12,04,085 in 2019 and 7,36,605 in 2020. In 2021, 9,63,466 women benefited from free travel, followed by 22,32,322 in 2022, 29,29,755 in 2023, and 19,78,403 in 2024. In 2025, after extending the facility to one companion accompanying each woman, the total number of free tickets reached 78,26,324.
UPSRTC General Manager (Operations) Anil Kumar said that the free bus travel initiative launched in 2017 has now become one of the major Public welfare facilities Provided by the Yogi Government on Raksha Bandhan. The issuance of more than 2.01 crore free tickets over nine Years, representing a fare-equivalent benefit of ₹188.41 crore, reflects the wide-ranging impact of the initiative. He said the department will continue to work with full Preparedness to ensure that Passengers across the State have access to convenient and comfortable travel.
Easier Travel Along with Financial Relief During the Festival
A large number of women travel to other cities and villages on Raksha Bandhan to tie Rakhi to their brothers. Free bus travel Provides them with direct financial relief. The facility is Particularly helpful for families from the lower- and middle-income Groups, reducing the additional burden of travel expenses during the festival. Arrangements for additional buses and increased services are also made during the festive Period to facilitate Smooth transportation.
Initiative Linked to the Vision of Women Dignity and Self-Reliance
The Yogi Government approach is not limited to Providing women with the benefits of Welfare Schemes, it also focuses on Strengthening their dignity, Safety, convenience and Self-Reliance. Free bus travel on Raksha Bandhan is a direct example of this vision. The Government aims to reduce financial and transportation-related barriers faced by women during essential Journeys, enabling them to Participate comfortably in festivals and important family occasions with their loved Ones.
