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To ease travel for women during the festival of Raksha Bandhan, the governments of Haryana and Andhra Pradesh have announced free bus travel schemes. The Haryana Roadways announced on August 7 that it will provide free buss travel to
all women on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
Timed around Raksha Bandhan and Independence Day, the initiatives aim to reduce transportation costs for families and enhance public access to state-run bus services.
In Haryana, women and their children up to 15 years of age will be allowed to travel free of cost on Haryana Roadways buses during the festival of Raksha Bandhan. The state government confirmed that the scheme will be operational from 12:00 pm on 8 August to midnight on 9 August. The facility will apply to ordinary buses running within the state, as
well as those travelling to Chandigarh and Delhi.
Transport Minister Anil Vij stated that the proposal had been approved by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. Speaking about the broader functioning of the transport sector, Vij expressed concern over route management involving private bus operators. "Reports have come in indicating that route allocation for private buses has not been properly managed," he said, adding that relevant officers had been instructed to examine the schedules and timings of private services.
Also read | Raksha Bandhan 2025: Why this year's festival is luckiest in 100 years
Vij noted that in many cases, private buses depart shortly before state-run services, leading to underutilisation of Haryana Roadways buses. "Officials have been tasked with investigating these situations and considering adjustments to the timings or allocation criteria for these routes," he added.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding Haryana Roadways services to reach every village in the
state. “A letter has been dispatched to all general managers of the transport department to ensure this commitment is implemented without delay,” he said.
He also announced plans to begin state-wide visits from 15 August. “This is not for political rallies or meetings, but to meet the public and engage with party workers, both new and old,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Andhra Pradesh, Minister for Information and Public Relations K Parthasarathy announced that the state government’s flagship free bus travel scheme for women
will be launched statewide from 15 August. The programme, titled ‘Stree Shakti’, is a key election promise of the current government and is projected to cost Rs 1,942 crore annually, or roughly Rs 162 crore per month.
Also read | Nitin Gadkari offers prayers to Lord Venkateswara; special trains to connect Shirdi-Tirupati
“I am happy to inform you that free bus travel for women will begin on August 15,” Parthasarathy said during a press conference held at the Secretariat following a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister N
Chandrababu Naidu.
“There were reports that the scheme would be limited to districts, but it has been decided to roll it out across the state,” he clarified.
Of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation’s total fleet of 11,449 buses, 8,456—or nearly 75 per cent—will operate under the Stree Shakti scheme. Services such as Palle Velugu, Ultra Palle Velugu, City Ordinary, Metro Express, and Express buses will be included in the programme.
The scheme is expected to benefit up to 1.4 crore women each
year. Parthasarathy added that the initiative could also provide substantial economic relief. “Each family could save up to Rs 1,000 per month through this initiative,” he said.
The announcements come as both states prepare for upcoming public holidays, with the new transport policies likely to bring immediate relief to commuters and families across regions.
Timed around Raksha Bandhan and Independence Day, the initiatives aim to reduce transportation costs for families and enhance public access to state-run bus services.
In Haryana, women and their children up to 15 years of age will be allowed to travel free of cost on Haryana Roadways buses during the festival of Raksha Bandhan. The state government confirmed that the scheme will be operational from 12:00 pm on 8 August to midnight on 9 August. The facility will apply to ordinary buses running within the state, as
Transport Minister Anil Vij stated that the proposal had been approved by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. Speaking about the broader functioning of the transport sector, Vij expressed concern over route management involving private bus operators. "Reports have come in indicating that route allocation for private buses has not been properly managed," he said, adding that relevant officers had been instructed to examine the schedules and timings of private services.
Also read | Raksha Bandhan 2025: Why this year's festival is luckiest in 100 years
Vij noted that in many cases, private buses depart shortly before state-run services, leading to underutilisation of Haryana Roadways buses. "Officials have been tasked with investigating these situations and considering adjustments to the timings or allocation criteria for these routes," he added.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding Haryana Roadways services to reach every village in the
He also announced plans to begin state-wide visits from 15 August. “This is not for political rallies or meetings, but to meet the public and engage with party workers, both new and old,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Andhra Pradesh, Minister for Information and Public Relations K Parthasarathy announced that the state government’s flagship free bus travel scheme for women
Also read | Nitin Gadkari offers prayers to Lord Venkateswara; special trains to connect Shirdi-Tirupati
“I am happy to inform you that free bus travel for women will begin on August 15,” Parthasarathy said during a press conference held at the Secretariat following a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister N
“There were reports that the scheme would be limited to districts, but it has been decided to roll it out across the state,” he clarified.
Of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation’s total fleet of 11,449 buses, 8,456—or nearly 75 per cent—will operate under the Stree Shakti scheme. Services such as Palle Velugu, Ultra Palle Velugu, City Ordinary, Metro Express, and Express buses will be included in the programme.
The scheme is expected to benefit up to 1.4 crore women each
The announcements come as both states prepare for upcoming public holidays, with the new transport policies likely to bring immediate relief to commuters and families across regions.
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