Across the country, on the special occasion of Raksha Bandhan, several state governments have decided to make bus tickets free for women in government-run buses to ease their travel.
New Delhi: Raksha Bandhan, the symbol of the love between brothers and sisters, will be celebrated with great joy throughout the country this year on August 9 (Saturday). On this occasion, keeping in mind the convenience and safety of women, many state governments have announced free travel for women in public transport. In some states, this facility will be valid for two to three days, allowing women to easily reach their brothers.
This initiative is considered a major step towards women's empowerment and enhancing the dignity of the festival. Let's find out which states will allow women to travel for free in government buses on Raksha Bandhan.
Uttar Pradesh: Three Days of Free Bus Travel
The Uttar Pradesh government has announced free bus travel for women from 6 am on August 8 to 12 midnight on August 10 on Raksha Bandhan. This facility will be applicable on all buses of the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) and Nagar Bus Sewa. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while making this announcement, said that additional buses will be run in urban and rural areas so that women do not face any inconvenience during travel.
Haryana: Two Days of Free Travel for Women and Children
Haryana Roadways has provided free travel facility to women and children up to 15 years of age on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. This service will be applicable from 12 noon on August 8 to midnight on August 9 within the state and in ordinary buses going to Delhi and Chandigarh. Transport Minister Anil Vij said that Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has approved this proposal.
Rajasthan: First Time with Two Days of Free Service
The Rajasthan government has announced free bus service for two days on Raksha Bandhan for the first time this year. On the instructions of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, women will be able to travel for free in Rajasthan Roadways buses on August 9 and 10. This facility will only be valid within the state's borders.
Chandigarh: Free Service will be Applicable in Tricity
Women will be able to travel for free on Raksha Bandhan in local AC and non-AC buses run by Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) and Chandigarh City Bus Services Society (CCBSS). This facility will only be valid within Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula (Tricity area), while it will not be applicable on long-distance interstate buses.
Uttarakhand: Tradition Continues This Year Too
Like every year, the Uttarakhand government is providing free travel facility to women and young children on Raksha Bandhan this year as well. This facility will be applicable throughout the state in the buses of Uttarakhand Transport Corporation.
Madhya Pradesh: Both Bus Service and Financial Gift
Bhopal City Link Limited has announced that women will be able to travel for free on August 9. The Mayor of Indore Municipal Corporation has also made the same announcement. Along with this, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced an additional ₹250 Shagun (gift) on Raksha Bandhan under the Mukhyamantri Ladli Bahna Yojana. A total of ₹1500 will be transferred to women's accounts on this day. Also, ₹43.90 crore will be sent to 2.8 million women for gas cylinders.
Delhi, Karnataka and Punjab: Already have Free Service
Women in Delhi are already getting free travel facility in DTC and cluster buses. This will continue on Raksha Bandhan as well. The Karnataka government has already implemented a free travel scheme for women in all government buses. In Punjab too, women have the right to free travel in government buses throughout the year, including Raksha Bandhan.
The free bus travel facility for women on a family festival like Raksha Bandhan not only reflects social concern, but also reflects the sensitivity of governments towards women.
