Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced free travel on Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) buses for women and one companion during Raksha Bandhan. The facility will be available from the night of August 27 until the night of August 28, covering the festival period on August 28. The move is aimed at helping women travel to meet their families without the burden of bus fares, while the state government has directed the Transport Department, police and local administration to make arrangements for safe and smooth journeys.
Authorities have also been asked to strengthen traffic management, keep Anti-Romeo Squads active and closely monitor transport operators. Bus drivers, including those operating private buses, are to be screened, while auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers will also be verified.
Safety Beyond Fares
The announcement comes as Uttar Pradesh prepares for increased movement around Raksha Bandhan, when many women travel between cities, towns and villages to celebrate the festival with their families. Under the new arrangement, a woman travelling on a UPSRTC bus can take one companion along for free, making the journey more accessible for those who may otherwise have to factor transport costs into their plans. The government has asked officials to ensure that the increased passenger movement does not compromise safety or convenience.
Yogi Adityanath has specifically directed officials to keep Anti-Romeo Squads active on major routes and in crowded areas during the festival. He also stressed that women’s safety should not be compromised while making transport arrangements. Bus drivers are to undergo screening and monitoring, with instructions that no driver under the influence of intoxicants should be allowed to operate a vehicle. Private bus drivers are also to be properly verified. The authorities have additionally been instructed to verify auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, recognising that women may rely on multiple modes of transport to reach bus stations, homes and other destinations.
The Chief Minister also called for better traffic management on major roads to deal with the expected festive rush. The emphasis on driver verification and monitoring adds a road-safety dimension to what is otherwise primarily a welfare-oriented travel initiative.
Preparing For Festive Rush
The announcement follows preparations already being made by UPSRTC in anticipation of increased demand around Raksha Bandhan. In the Prayagraj region, for instance, the corporation had announced 148 additional bus trips across seven major routes between August 26 and 31. These include services connecting Prayagraj with Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mirzapur and Banda. Officials have also been asked to pay special attention to cleanliness, drinking water, lighting and other passenger facilities at bus stations.
The state government’s wider preparations also reflect the challenges of travelling during the monsoon. During a review meeting, Adityanath directed officials to identify low-lying areas, improve drainage and establish additional pumping stations where required. He also reviewed the flood situation in 19 districts and instructed district administrations to keep control rooms operational around the clock and ensure that relief reaches affected families.
For women travelling during Raksha Bandhan, therefore, the success of the free-travel initiative will depend not only on the absence of fares but also on whether buses are available, roads remain manageable and passengers feel secure throughout their journey. The government’s instructions place responsibility on transport, police and local authorities to coordinate these arrangements.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Making public transport free for women and one companion during a major festival can reduce a practical barrier for families who want to celebrate together, particularly when travel costs can become an added burden. Equally important, however, is ensuring that affordability is matched by safety, dignity and reliability. A free journey has limited value if passengers face overcrowded buses, unsafe roads, poorly monitored drivers or inadequate facilities. The government’s emphasis on driver verification, traffic management and women’s safety is therefore significant, but these measures must translate into visible action on the ground.
Festivals such as Raksha Bandhan are ultimately about relationships, care and the freedom to be with loved ones. What more can governments and communities do to make public travel safer, more accessible and more respectful for everyone?
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