Lucknow, August 28: On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, the government provided free bus travel for women and sisters, which saw a significant turnout on its first day. Starting from August 27, over 603,000 women utilized the free bus service operated by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC).
Additionally, more than 322,000 companions traveling with these women also benefited from the free travel initiative. In total, over 926,000 passengers traveled without paying any fare on the first day. According to the transport corporation, the total cost of this free travel is estimated to exceed ₹9.06 crores.
Anil Kumar, the Chief Manager (Operations) of UPSRTC, stated that to ensure women face no difficulties and have a smooth and safe journey, the transport corporation’s officials and staff are working tirelessly. In response to the increased number of passengers, additional buses have been deployed on the roads as per the directives from the government and department heads. Continuous monitoring is being conducted regarding bus operations, passenger convenience, and overall arrangements.
In terms of the total number of women and their companions who traveled, the Moradabad region led with 94,789 passengers, including 62,586 women and 32,203 companions. Following Moradabad, Hardoi had 82,920, Gorakhpur 68,152, Lucknow 64,590, and Bareilly 58,309 passengers utilizing this service. These five regions alone accounted for approximately 369,000 passengers benefiting from the free travel.
The provision of free travel on Raksha Bandhan has created a joyful atmosphere among women and their companions. Passengers expressed that during the festival, many people need to return home, and the free bus service has alleviated the financial burden on families. Companions traveling with women also praised the Yogi government’s initiative. They noted that the operation of additional buses has facilitated reaching home amidst the crowds.
To ensure that eligible passengers benefit from the free travel and maintain transparency throughout the process, UPSRTC teams will conduct surprise inspections in various regions. This will allow for monitoring the free travel arrangements on buses and assessing the facilities provided to passengers.
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