Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued comprehensive directives to authorities to intensify patrolling across urban areas, expressways, highways, and major thoroughfares in view of the upcoming festive season. The administration has been ordered to take continuous action against overloading, overspeeding, overcharging of fares, and other operational irregularities. Strict steps have also been mandated against driving without helmets, driving without seat belts, driving under the influence of alcohol, and the unauthorized transportation of passengers in goods carriers and tractors. In addition, the government has extended the timeframe for the complimentary bus travel facility offered to mothers, daughters, and sisters across the state for Raksha Bandhan, allowing free journeys from 6:00 AM on August 27 until midnight on August 29.
Strict Action Mandated Against Traffic Violations and Overloading
During a high-level review meeting held with officials on August 23, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for persistent enforcement against overloaded vehicles, speeding, and arbitrary fare hikes. He stated that stringent measures must be enforced against motorists flouting helmet and seat belt norms, driving while intoxicated, or using freight vehicles and tractors to ferry passengers improperly. To enhance road safety, all related departments are instructed to work in close coordination and ensure the maximum utilization of the golden hour in the event of any road accident. Work should also be expedited to integrate rescue and relief centers with advanced technology so that the nearest trauma care units, medical facilities, and ambulances can be alerted instantly upon receiving distress signals.
Comprehensive Preparations Reviewed for Raksha Bandhan
Recognizing the massive influx of travelers expected during Raksha Bandhan, the Chief Minister convened an important meeting on August 23 with officials from the transport corporation, transport department, urban development, police, and traffic departments. He stressed that smooth, secure, and well-organized traffic management must be guaranteed throughout the state during the festival. Given that Raksha Bandhan falls on August 28, the period from the morning of August 25 to the night of August 29 will witness critical commuter movement. With August 26 being a holiday, long-distance and inter-district travel is anticipated to surge significantly. The state government has arranged complimentary travel on Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation buses for female passengers and one accompanying person, supported by the deployment of extra buses.
Extended Timings for Free Bus Travel
To accommodate the heavy rush and ensure comfortable travel for women celebrating the festival, the administration has lengthened the operational window for the free bus service. Officials confirmed that the complimentary travel scheme aboard state transport buses will now remain active starting from 6:00 AM on August 27 and will continue straight through to midnight on August 29. Adequate fleet expansions and additional bus operations have been planned to manage the holiday rush seamlessly without causing inconvenience to daily commuters or festival travelers.
Involving Urban Development Buses and Driver Verification
To further supplement public transport capacity, the Chief Minister directed that over 900 buses operated by the urban development department be integrated into this transport arrangement. He also mandated the thorough verification of private bus, auto-rickshaw, and taxi drivers to guarantee the safety of female passengers. Officials were instructed to hold coordination meetings with bus, taxi, and auto-tempo unions across all districts by August 25. These meetings must reiterate that only standard fares are collected, overloading is strictly prevented, polite behavior is extended to travelers, and proper passenger amenities are maintained. Drivers operating taxis and e-rickshaws during the festivities must undergo rigorous background checks to ensure only authorized personnel handle passenger vehicles.
Special Traffic Management at Religious and Tourist Destinations
The Chief Minister instructed authorities to establish specialized traffic management plans around major religious and tourism hubs during the festival period. Enhanced arrangements must be implemented in high-footfall locations such as Mathura-Vrindavan, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Vindhyachal-Mirzapur, and Gorakhpur. Contingency plans should be kept ready in advance to manage traffic congestion around bus terminals, railway stations, marketplaces, and entry or exit points of cities.
Basic Amenities and Medical First Aid at Bus Stations
To ensure passenger comfort during the busy festive days, transport terminals must be equipped with active CCTV surveillance, clean drinking water, and proper sanitation. Furthermore, the health department has been directed to set up dedicated first-aid stations at major bus depots during Raksha Bandhan. By directly linking public transport services to citizen welfare, the administration aims to ensure that all relevant departments operate with high sensitivity, preventing any avoidable hardship for travelers during the celebrations.
