Lucknow, August 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday launched a new scheme offering lifelong free bus travel to women aged 60 years and above who are residents of the state.
Named the ‘Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana’, the initiative was launched in Lucknow, where the Chief Minister flagged off special buses and distributed smart travel cards to elderly women.
Under the scheme, eligible women will be able to travel free of cost on Uttar Pradesh buses for life. From August 30, women aged 60 and above can avail themselves of the facility by producing a voter ID card or Aadhaar card, Yogi Adityanath said.
The scheme has been named in honour of 18th-century ruler Ahilyabai Holkar, whom the Chief Minister credited with promoting women’s empowerment, self-reliance, good governance and the preservation of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Speaking at the launch, Adityanath said a special free bus service in the name of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar would also operate around Raksha Bandhan on August 27, 28 and 29. The facility would cover every woman travelling during the period and would also be extended to one accompanying passenger.
“After this, we are also going to provide free travel to all mothers and sisters above the age of 60,” the Chief Minister said.
He said the two initiatives were being launched together on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan following a suggestion from Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh, who, he said, had been working for the welfare of women.
Adityanath said Ahilyabai Holkar had established an exemplary model of women’s leadership and independence while navigating a period of political instability. He also highlighted her role in restoring and reconstructing temples across the country, including those damaged or destroyed during invasions.
The Chief Minister said her contribution to women’s empowerment, governance and the preservation of India’s cultural and spiritual traditions made her an appropriate inspiration for the initiative.
He congratulated the women attending the Lucknow launch and extended his greetings to women across all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh.
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