UP Government Launches Free Bus Travel Scheme for Women Aged 60 and Above

Lucknow, August 26, 2026; Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday launched the ‘Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra’, a new initiative aimed at providing greater mobility and convenience to elderly women across the state.

Under the scheme, women aged 60 years and above will be able to travel free of cost on Uttar Pradesh government buses. The initiative was formally launched in Lucknow, where the Chief Minister also flagged off buses dedicated to the programme.

Yogi Adityanath said the scheme was designed to make travel easier and more dignified for women who have spent much of their lives contributing to their families and communities. He described the initiative as part of the government’s broader efforts to promote women’s dignity, independence and welfare.

The Chief Minister also announced a special provision for Raksha Bandhan. On the occasion, mothers, sisters and daughters will be allowed to travel free on state-run buses, with the benefit also extending to one person accompanying them.

The scheme has been named in honour of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, whom the Chief Minister cited as an important historical example of effective administration and women’s empowerment. He highlighted her contribution to governance and the restoration of religious and cultural sites across the country.

During his address, Yogi Adityanath also criticised previous governments in Uttar Pradesh, alleging that women had faced serious safety and dignity concerns before 2017. He claimed that dedicated mechanisms such as women’s help desks, beat systems and integrated helplines were not adequately available at that time.

The Chief Minister further said that his government had adopted a comprehensive approach to women’s welfare, covering various stages from a girl child’s birth and education to employment, entrepreneurship, safety and social dignity.

The launch of the Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra marks another step by the Uttar Pradesh government towards improving public transport access for women, particularly senior citizens, and encouraging greater independence and ease of movement.