1 week ago
Uttar Pradesh Launches Free Bus Travel for Elderly Women
Uttar Pradesh has started a new bus program for women aged 60 and older.
These women can ride state buses without paying.
They will receive special cards to show that they qualify.
The program is named after Ahilyabai Holkar.
The government says the plan will help older women travel more independently.
During Raksha Bandhan, women can also bring one companion for free for three days.
The government expects tens of thousands of women to use the benefit each day.
It will cost the state about Rs 270.6 crore each year.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra scheme in Lucknow on August 26, 2026.
Women aged 60 and above can travel free on Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation buses.
Eligible women will receive special smart cards to verify their eligibility and enable ticket-free travel.
The government estimates that about 88,438 women could benefit daily, with an annual cost of approximately Rs 270.6 crore.
For Raksha Bandhan from August 27 to 29, women can travel free with one companion; the scheme otherwise applies to eligible women.
- Who
- The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, launched the scheme for women aged 60 and above.
- What
- The Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra scheme provides free travel on Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation buses.
- Where
- The launch took place at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, and applies to eligible women traveling on state Roadways buses.
- When
- The scheme was launched on August 26, 2026; a separate companion facility runs from August 27 to 29 for Raksha Bandhan.
- Why
- The government says the initiative is intended to improve elderly women's mobility, independence, dignity and access to transport.
Key facts
- Scheme
- Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra
- Eligibility
- Women aged 60 years and above
- Transport provider
- Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation
- Estimated daily beneficiaries
- Approximately 88,438 women
- Monthly cost
- Approximately Rs 22.55 crore
- Annual cost
- Approximately Rs 270.6 crore
- Special Raksha Bandhan provision
- From August 27 to 29, women can travel free with one companion
Quotes
Yogi Adityanath
Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh
“If anyone breaches the safety of a daughter, whether inside the house or outside, then consider it final that the person will have either jail or hell waiting for him.”
theprint.in
“Today we have Mission Shakti centres. Every city has an AI-based Safe City network and we also have an integrated response system of 1090 and 112.”
theprint.in
Sources
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