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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on August 26 launched the Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra scheme in Lucknow. Under the initiative, women aged 60 years and above will be able to travel free of cost on buses operated by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC). The Chief Minister also flagged off special buses as part of the programme.
Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Scheme
The scheme aims to make travel easier, more comfortable and dignified for elderly women while promoting their independence. The initiative has been named after Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, whom Yogi described as an example of women's self-reliance and good governance. He also highlighted her contribution to restoring temples and protecting India's cultural and spiritual heritage.
Uttar Pradesh's Free Buses
The government has also announced a special provision for Raksha Bandhan. From August 27 to 29, mothers, sisters and daughters will be allowed to travel free on state buses along with one accompanying person. Women aged 60 and above can use documents such as an Aadhaar card or voter ID to access the free travel facility. The scheme does not impose an income limit on beneficiaries.
Yogi said the initiative is part of the government's wider focus on women's safety, dignity, mobility and self-reliance. He said the government's approach covers women from education and employment to entrepreneurship while focusing on their safety and welfare.
The scheme is expected to benefit elderly women across Uttar Pradesh by making travel more affordable and helping them visit relatives, access essential services and undertake religious journeys to places such as Ayodhya and Kashi.