Raksha Bandhan 2025: Free Bus Rides For Women In These States On Rakhi Festival

With Raksha Bandhan set to be celebrated across India on Saturday, August 9, several state governments have announced free bus travel for women as a goodwill gesture to mark the occasion. While some states are offering the benefit for one day, others have extended it up to three days.

Uttar Pradesh: 3-Day Free Travel

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has declared free travel on UPSRTC and city buses for women from 6 AM on August 8 to midnight on August 10. To manage the festive rush, extra buses will be deployed across urban and rural regions.

Haryana: Women and Children Travel Free

Haryana will offer free bus rides to women and children under 15 years from noon on August 8 to midnight on August 9. Transport Minister Anil Vij confirmed that CM Nayab Singh Saini approved this scheme, applicable on intra-state routes and buses going to Delhi and Chandigarh.

Rajasthan: Two-Day Free Ride

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has extended free bus rides for women on August 9 and 10 aboard state-run buses. This is the first time the offer goes beyond the Raksha Bandhan day itself. The service is valid within Rajasthan's borders only.

Madhya Pradesh: Free Rides and Cash Benefits

In Bhopal and Indore, women will enjoy free travel on city buses on August 9. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has also announced a Raksha Bandhan bonus for Ladli Behna Yojana beneficiaries, including ₹1,500 credited into bank accounts and an additional ₹250 as a festive gift.

The state government has disbursed ₹43.9 crore to over 28 lakh women under the scheme to cover LPG cylinder subsidies, as part of broader efforts to empower women.

Uttarakhand: Continuing Tradition

Uttarakhand continues its annual Raksha Bandhan practice of free bus travel for women and children, provided by the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation.

Chandigarh & Tricity: Limited Free Service

Women in Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula can ride for free in CTU and CCBSS buses, but only within the Tricity area.

Year-Round Free Travel States

States like Punjab, Karnataka, and Delhi already offer free government bus services for women year-round. Hence, no additional announcement was needed for Raksha Bandhan.

In Delhi, free travel is available only for local women on DTC buses, and not for those from outside the capital.