The Uttar Pradesh cabinet approved a scheme providing lifetime free travel on state-run buses for women aged 60 and older on Tuesday [1].
The decision targets the mobility and social empowerment of senior citizens in one of India's most populous states. By removing transportation costs, the government aims to increase the independence of elderly women who may lack financial resources.
During a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the cabinet cleared a total of 24 proposals [1]. The centerpiece of these approvals is the Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yojana. This program is expected to benefit more than one crore women across the state [2].
In addition to the permanent benefit for seniors, the cabinet approved free bus travel for all women and one accompanying person during the Raksha Bandhan festival [1]. This temporary measure is designed to facilitate travel during the traditional holiday.
The lifetime travel benefit applies specifically to buses operated by the state roadways. The government said the move is intended to provide welfare and mobility benefits to senior women [2].
Officials did not provide immediate details on the specific rollout date for the registration process of the Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yojana, though the cabinet's approval marks the formal start of the policy's implementation [1].
“The cabinet cleared a total of 24 proposals.”
This policy represents a significant expansion of the state's social safety net, specifically targeting a demographic that often faces intersectional challenges of age, gender, and poverty. By providing free transit to over 10 million women, the government is leveraging infrastructure to promote social inclusion, while the Raksha Bandhan provision uses a cultural milestone to drive short-term public engagement with state services.
