UP to offer free bus travel to women, one companion for Raksha Bandhan

Uttar Pradesh women will be able to travel for free on state-run buses with one companion during Raksha Bandhan. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed that female passengers receive complimentary travel on Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) buses from the night of August 27 to the night of August 28.

Adityanath instructed the Transport Department, police, and administration to collaborate on comprehensive arrangements ensuring women's safe and convenient journeys home for the festival. He also emphasized the continued activity of 'Anti-Romeo Squads' to bolster women's safety and the optimization of traffic management on key routes.

During a meeting with senior officials, the chief minister reviewed various issues, including waterlogging and flood situations, transport arrangements for Raksha Bandhan, sugar availability, the upcoming sugarcane season, and school facilities. He issued specific instructions regarding the screening and monitoring of bus drivers, prohibiting any driver under the influence of intoxicants and ordering verification for private bus drivers.

Further safety measures were discussed, including verifying auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to ensure female passenger security. The chief minister also addressed the state's waterlogging issues, directing officials to identify low-lying areas, establish additional pumping stations, and clean obstructed drains. Mayors and council chairpersons were instructed to inspect waterlogging and sanitation arrangements, removing any encroachments on drains.