Record-breaking bus travel in Uttar Pradesh on Rakshabandhan, 90 lakh passengers availed free service

The free bus service provided by the state government during the auspicious festival of Rakshabandhan has been utilized by millions of citizens across Uttar Pradesh. According to reports from the Amar Ujala network, nearly 9 million passengers traveled for free in state-run buses this year. This figure is significantly higher than in previous years and is being viewed as a major achievement for the state's transport system.

Women were the primary beneficiaries of this free travel scheme. Data indicates that more than 5.5 million women availed of the service. The government had introduced this special facility with the aim of making travel easier for siblings to celebrate their bond, and the initiative saw a widespread positive response across the state.

This surge in passenger numbers has surpassed the records set in previous years. Official data shows that in 2025, a total of 7.826 million passengers had used the free bus service over a three-day period during Rakshabandhan. The increase in ridership this year demonstrates a growing public reliance on state-run transport services.

Managing such a large volume of passengers was a significant task for the transport department. However, efforts were made to ensure proper coordination regarding the number of buses and their frequency to accommodate the rush. This initiative not only provided financial relief to the common people but also helped in making travel safer and more accessible during the festival.

The state government's scheme provided significant relief to those traveling on the day of Rakshabandhan. It proved particularly useful for women who rely on public transport to visit their parental homes or in-laws. The convenience offered by the free service was widely appreciated by the public.

Discussions are now underway regarding the potential expansion of such schemes in the future. Given the rising number of passengers, the transport department may work toward providing even better facilities in the coming times to meet the growing demand.

Overall, the experience of the free bus service during this year's Rakshabandhan has been positive for the passengers. The record-breaking participation has proven that the state government's public welfare policies are capable of bringing positive changes to the lives of the common people.