CM Yogi Aditynath:Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched the Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra scheme, offering lifelong free bus travel to women aged 60 and above across Uttar Pradesh. The Chief Minister flagged off special buses in Lucknow, calling the initiative a step toward making travel more convenient and dignified for elderly women in the state.
Cabinet Approval And Scale Of Benefit
The scheme, formally named the Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yojana, was approved by the state Cabinet along with 23 other proposals. Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh said more than one crore women are expected to benefit from the decision, which grants lifetime free travel across all general buses operated by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC).
Eligibility And How To Avail
Women aged 60 years and above who are residents of Uttar Pradesh can access the free travel facility by presenting a valid identity document, such as a Voter ID card or Aadhaar card, at the time of boarding. No fare will be charged from eligible passengers once the scheme becomes fully operational from August 29. During the launch event, the Chief Minister also distributed smart travel cards to elderly women.
Special Raksha Bandhan Arrangement
Ahead of the scheme’s full rollout, the government has announced a special three-day arrangement for Raksha Bandhan, from August 27 to 29, under which all women, mothers, sisters and daughters, will be able to travel free on UPSRTC buses along with one accompanying passenger.
Honouring Ahilyabai Holkar’s Legacy
The scheme has been named after the 18th-century ruler Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, whom CM Yogi described as an exemplary figure of good governance and women’s self-reliance. He credited her with restoring temples across the country that had been damaged during periods of invasion, and said her legacy continues to inspire the state’s welfare initiatives for women.
Part Of A Broader Package
CM Yogi Aditynath:The women’s travel scheme was cleared alongside several other major Cabinet decisions, including an extension of the Ganga Expressway up to Haridwar in Uttarakhand at an estimated cost of over ₹10,761 crore. Officials say the free bus travel initiative fulfils a promise made in the BJP’s election manifesto and is aimed at easing mobility for senior women undertaking religious, social, family and medical trips, while also providing them long-term financial relief.
