In a major relief for women traveling to their maternal homes to tie rakhis on their brothers' wrists during Rakshabandhan, the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation has rolled out a special transit scheme. Considering the intense rush expected across public transport networks during the festive period, the transport authority has made travel on state-run roadways buses completely free for women over a 66-hour window. Adding to the convenience, this initiative allows each female commuter to bring along one co-passenger who will also be eligible for free travel.
Timeline and Terms for 66-Hour Free Transport
According to the transport corporation's schedule, the zero-fare bus service for women and their accompanying passenger will commence at 6:00 AM on August 27. The facility will remain operational continuously until midnight on August 29. Throughout this duration, female passengers boardings roadways buses will not be charged any fare. The extended 66-hour timeframe has been structured to prevent festive rush and ensure that women do not bear an additional financial burden while making their holiday journeys.
Free Travel Extended to One Co-Passenger
The standout feature of this year's travel policy is the inclusion of a free ticket for one companion traveling alongside the woman. Female passengers often face difficulties when traveling alone over long distances or while caring for young children. By allowing a family member or co-traveler to accompany them free of charge, the transport department aims to make the journey far safer and more comfortable. This step is particularly beneficial for women commuting from rural regions toward district headquarters or nearby urban centers.
Depot Preparedness in Lakhimpur Kheri and Gola
Local roadways authorities across various districts have finalized operational strategies to handle the surge in passenger volume. In Lakhimpur Kheri district, transport management at both the Lakhimpur and Gola depots has begun streamlining operations. Records indicate that more than 200 buses operated out of these two depots during Rakshabandhan last year to facilitate female commuters. Anticipating similar or higher turnout this season, depot management is gearing up to deploy adequate vehicular strength across all major routes.
Special Guidelines Issued to Drivers and Conductors
To guarantee smooth execution on the ground, explicit operational instructions have been relayed to field staff. Roadways Depot In-charge Sahadev Singh stated that 95 buses from the Lakhimpur depot will be actively utilized to provide this service to female commuters. He noted that all designated drivers and conductors have been formally briefed on the official terms and instructed to ensure a hassle-free boarding process for all passengers throughout the festival period.
