Lucknow: Women travelling across Uttar Pradesh for Raksha Bandhan will be able to ride state roadways buses free of charge for an extended period, with the state government announcing additional transport and safety measures to ensure hassle-free festive travel.
On the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, women and one accompanying passenger will be allowed free travel on Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) buses from 6 am on August 27 until midnight on August 29.
The decision is aimed at helping mothers, daughters and sisters travel safely to their homes during the festival, which will be celebrated on August 28.
Extended Free Travel Window
The Chief Minister reviewed preparations for Raksha Bandhan with senior officials from the Transport Department, Transport Corporation, Urban Development Department, police and traffic authorities.
Yogi directed officials to ensure smooth, safe and organised transportation throughout the state. Given the expected increase in inter-district and long-distance travel, additional buses will be deployed on busy routes.
The government has also directed that the free travel facility be extended to more than 900 buses operated under the Urban Development Department.
Officials have been asked to coordinate with bus, taxi and auto-rickshaw unions in every district and complete preparations in advance. Passengers must be charged only the prescribed fare, while overloading and overcharging will attract strict action.
Special Arrangements at Major Destinations
The government has ordered special traffic-management plans for major religious and tourist destinations likely to witness a surge in visitors during the festive period.
Special arrangements will be made in Mathura-Vrindavan, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Vindhyachal-Mirzapur and Gorakhpur.
Traffic plans will also be prepared for bus stations, railway stations, markets and entry and exit points of major cities to prevent congestion.
The Chief Minister said August 25 to August 29 would be a particularly important period from the perspective of passenger movement, with the possibility of increased long-distance travel due to the holiday on August 26.
Safety of Women Passengers in Focus
Yogi directed authorities to verify drivers operating taxis, auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws during the festive period. Only verified and competent drivers should be permitted to operate vehicles, he said.
Police and traffic authorities have also been asked to intensify patrolling on major roads, highways, expressways and important routes during the festival.
Strict action has been ordered against overloading, overspeeding, overcharging and other transport violations. Authorities have also been instructed to take action against driving without helmets or seat belts, driving under the influence of alcohol and unauthorised transportation of passengers in goods vehicles and tractors.
CCTV, Drinking Water and First Aid
The government has directed that bus stations maintain adequate CCTV surveillance, drinking water, cleanliness and passenger facilities during the festival.
The Health Department has also been asked to arrange dedicated first-aid facilities at bus stations to respond to medical emergencies.
Officials have been told to ensure that passengers do not face unnecessary inconvenience and that all departments work in coordination throughout the festive period.
Focus on Road Safety and Emergency Response
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of making maximum use of the golden hour in case of road accidents. Departments concerned have been instructed to coordinate their response so that accident victims can quickly reach the nearest rescue centre, trauma-care facility or ambulance service.
The government is also working towards technology-enabled connectivity between relief and rescue centres, emergency services and medical facilities to reduce response time during accidents.
Integrated Transport Planning
Yogi said public transport should increasingly become safer, simpler and technology-driven, with citizen convenience at the centre of planning.
With a large number of women and families expected to travel for Raksha Bandhan, the government has directed the Transport Department, police, traffic authorities and local administration to work together to ensure safe and smooth movement.
The extended free bus travel facility, additional buses, enhanced patrolling, driver verification and passenger amenities are intended to make the Raksha Bandhan travel period more convenient and secure for women across Uttar Pradesh.
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