Summer Festival Gift: Free Bus Rides for Women Across Indian States on Raksha Bandhan

Introduction

As Raksha Bandhan approaches on August 9, 2025, several Indian states are rolling out festive initiatives to empower women and promote accessibility. From free bus rides to financial incentives, these programs aim to create safer and more inclusive travel during the celebrations.

State-wise Initiatives for Free Travel

• Chandigarh & Tricity (Mohali, Panchkula): Women can travel free on local bus routes.
• Uttarakhand: Continues its tradition of free bus services for women and children.
• Madhya Pradesh (Bhopal & Indore): Free city bus rides paired with a ₹1,750 gift under the Ladli Behna Yojana.
• Rajasthan: Free bus travel for two days, on August 9 and 10.
• Haryana: Free rides from noon on August 8 to midnight on August 9, covering routes to Delhi and Chandigarh.
• Uttar Pradesh: Extends free bus services for three days (August 8–10), with extra buses deployed to manage the festive rush.

The Broader Significance

These festive travel initiatives serve multiple purposes:

• Women’s Safety & Mobility: Ensures secure, accessible transportation during family celebrations.
• Overcoming Barriers: Lowers financial obstacles to travel for festival-related visits.
• Inclusive Policy Making: Reflections of state-level commitments to social equity and public welfare.

Conclusion

By offering free bus rides, these states are blending cultural celebration with social policy, empowering women and fostering inclusion during festive times. These thoughtful measures highlight how governance can touch lives in meaningful, everyday ways.