Archive · 25 Aug 2026
UP Cabinet Approves Lifelong Free Bus Travel for Elderly Women
The Uttar Pradesh government approved free bus rides for women who are at least 60 years old.
The free rides are meant to last for the women's lifetime on UPSRTC buses.
Women may need to show an Aadhaar card or voter ID, and special smart cards may also be issued.
The government says more than one crore women could benefit.
It expects about 88,438 women to use the service each day.
The plan will cost the government about ₹22.5 crore every month.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was expected to launch the scheme after the Cabinet decision.
The Cabinet also approved 250 new electric buses.
One report said free travel would be specially available during the Raksha Bandhan period from August 27 to August 29, while the other described the main benefit as lifelong.
Uttar Pradesh approved lifelong free travel for women aged 60 and above on UPSRTC buses.
Eligible women can use Aadhaar or voter ID cards, while UPSRTC plans special smart cards for identification.
The scheme is expected to benefit more than one crore women, with about 88,438 users projected daily.
The government estimates monthly costs of approximately ₹22.50 crore to ₹22.55 crore.
The Cabinet also approved 250 electric buses, with reported procurement costs ranging from ₹425 crore to ₹425.50 crore.
- Who
- The Uttar Pradesh government, the state Cabinet, UPSRTC, and women aged 60 and above.
- What
- Approval of lifelong free travel for eligible elderly women on UPSRTC buses, along with the purchase of 250 electric buses.
- When
- The Cabinet approved the decisions on Tuesday, August 25; the scheme was expected to be launched the following day. One report also specified free travel from 6 a.m. August 27 to midnight August 29 for Raksha Bandhan.
- Where
- On Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation buses in Uttar Pradesh; the electric buses are also intended to support services between Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.
- Why
- The government said the scheme would provide financial relief and greater freedom and convenience in commuting, while the electric buses would strengthen public transport and help meet air-pollution rules for travel into Delhi.
- Scheme
- Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrishakti Yojana
- Eligibility
- Women aged 60 years and above
- Expected beneficiaries
- More than one crore women
- Projected daily users
- Approximately 88,438 women
- Estimated monthly cost
- ₹22.50 crore to ₹22.55 crore
- Electric buses
- 250 air-conditioned electric buses approved for procurement during 2026-27
- Electric-bus cost
- One report cited ₹425 crore; another gave an estimated total of ₹425.50 crore, including ₹400 crore in government provision and ₹25.50 crore from UPSRTC
