UP launches free lifetime bus travel for women over 60

The Uttar Pradesh government has implemented the ‘Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yojana’, a welfare scheme providing lifelong free travel on all Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) buses for women aged 60 and above. Named after the 18th-century ruler Ahilyabai Holkar, the initiative was launched by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and is expected to benefit more than 1 crore women.

To utilize the service, eligible passengers must present valid government identification, such as an Aadhaar Card or Voter ID. Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh stated the scheme aims to reduce the financial burden on elderly women traveling for medical, religious, or social purposes. During the launch event in Lucknow, the Chief Minister distributed smart travel cards to elderly beneficiaries.

In conjunction with the permanent scheme, the government announced a special three-day free travel period for all women and their one accompanying passenger during the Raksha Bandhan festival, spanning from August 27 to August 29. To manage the anticipated surge in commuters during this period, the transport department has deployed additional buses, staff, and supervisors at major stations, while also introducing incentive schemes for drivers and conductors.

Additionally, the state cabinet has moved forward with a 400-crore rupee proposal to procure 250 new electric buses and approved the extension of the Ganga Expressway to Haridwar.