As India gears up to celebrate Raksha Bandhan on Saturday, August 9, 2025, several state governments have rolled out a thoughtful gift for women – free bus rides.
Which States Are Offering Free Travel?
Uttar Pradesh
CM Yogi Adityanath has announced
free travel for women from August 8 to 10 on UPSRTC and city buses. Extra buses will be added to handle the holiday rush, as per NDTV Auto.
Haryana
From 12 PM on August 8 till midnight on August 9, Haryana will offer free intrastate travel to women and children under 15 years, including routes to Delhi and Chandigarh.
Rajasthan
For the first time, Rajasthan women can travel for free on August 9 and 10 in all state-run buses. A festive move by CM Bhajan Lal Sharma.
Madhya Pradesh
Women in Bhopal and Indore can avail free city bus rides on August 9. Plus, under the Ladli Behna Yojana, eligible women will receive a Rs 1,500 bonus and a Rs 250 festive gift. The state has already transferred Rs 43.9 crore to over 28 lakh women.
Uttarakhand & Tricity Area
Women and children in Uttarakhand can enjoy free travel on state-run buses as part of their annual tradition. Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula (Tricity) will also offer limited free bus services on Rakhi day.
What About Year-Round Free Travel?
States like Delhi, Karnataka, and Punjab already offer year-round free travel for women on state-run buses. In Delhi, this applies only to local women using DTC buses.
