Raksha Bandhan 2025: In a first, free UP bus rides for women and companion from Aug 8–10

Women in Uttar Pradesh and one accompanying passenger can travel free of cost on UPSRTC and city buses from August 8 to 10, as part of the Raksha Bandhan 2025 initiative. While the scheme originally applied only to women, this year marks the first time companions can also travel free. The change is intended to make longer journeys more convenient and accessible.

The state first introduced free travel for women on state roadways buses during Raksha Bandhan in 2017. This year marks the ninth consecutive year of the benefit, with the government covering the full travel cost. The facility was extended to city buses for the first time in 2024 and continues this year.

The free travel scheme runs from 6:00 am on August 8 to midnight on August 10, covering ordinary, deluxe and air-conditioned buses on both urban and rural routes. More than 13,000 buses will operate under the initiative, with additional services in high-demand cities such as Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi and Ghaziabad.

Transport Minister has directed officials to ensure 100% bus availability, maintain cleanliness at buses and bus stations, and display scheme details prominently. Drivers and conductors must be in uniform, courteous, and alcohol-free, with inspection teams using breath analysers for checks. Negligence in ensuring safety or comfort will lead to strict action.

The initiative, aimed at helping women visit their siblings for Raksha Bandhan, which falls on 9 August this year, is mirrored by similar schemes in Haryana, Rajasthan, Bhopal, Indore, Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula.