Lucknow, August 25: In a cabinet meeting chaired by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the government has approved free travel for women aged 60 and above on the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation’s regular buses. Additionally, a proposal to include 250 new air-conditioned electric buses in the roadways fleet for the financial year 2026-27 has also been sanctioned.
This initiative is expected to benefit approximately 88,438 senior women passengers daily. It aims to alleviate the travel costs for women over 60, making public transportation more accessible. To implement this scheme effectively, eligible women will be provided special smart cards by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation.
The smart cards will streamline the identification of eligible passengers and facilitate free travel. The implementation of this service is projected to add an additional monthly expenditure of around ₹22.55 crores to the state government. Officials have described this as a significant step towards women’s empowerment and providing economic relief to senior women.
Under the Lok Kalyan Sankalp-2022, this initiative aligns with the commitment to empower women through improved transportation services. Transport Minister Daya Shankar Singh announced that the government has approved the purchase of 250 new air-conditioned electric buses to strengthen the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation’s fleet. A budget of ₹400 crores has been allocated for this purpose. The proposal includes the acquisition of 100 buses with 50 seats and 150 buses with 41 seats, with a total financial outlay of approximately ₹425.50 crores. The government will cover ₹400 crores, while the remaining ₹25.50 crores will be financed by the corporation’s own resources.
The expansion of the electric bus fleet is also seen as a crucial step towards pollution control in the National Capital Region. According to CPQM directives, regulations for the entry of CNG, electric, and BS-6 compliant vehicles in Delhi will be implemented starting November 1, 2026. Thus, the expansion of Uttar Pradesh’s electric bus fleet will help align public transport with environmental standards.
The introduction of these new buses is expected to enhance public transport services between major religious and tourist destinations in the state. Passengers will benefit from modern, convenient, and relatively cleaner transportation options. The addition of 250 new electric buses is likely to create job opportunities for drivers, conductors, and skilled and unskilled personnel involved in technical and maintenance roles. Increased bus operations may also stimulate economic activities related to roadside eateries, restaurants, and other passenger facilities.
Leave a Comment