On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan on Saturday (August 9), several state governments have announced a special gesture for women, free travel on government-run buses. While some states are offering the benefit for a single day, others have extended it for two or even three days. Notably, states like Punjab and Karnataka already provide free bus travel to women year-round. In Delhi, the facility is limited to women who are residents of the capital and applies specifically to DTC buses.
List Of States Offering Free Bus Travel For Women On Raksha Bandhan 2025
Uttar Pradesh: 3 Days Of Free Bus Travel
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced that women in Uttar Pradesh can travel free of cost on UPSRTC and city bus services for three days, from 6 AM on August 8 to midnight on August 10. To manage festive rush, the state will deploy additional buses across both rural and urban areas.
Haryana: Two Days Of Free Bus Rides
Women and children (up to 15 years old) will be eligible for free travel on state-run buses from 12 noon on August 8 to midnight on August 9. The facility covers regular intra-state routes and extends to buses operating to Delhi and Chandigarh. The initiative was approved by CM Nayab Singh Saini.
Rajasthan: Two-Day Free Travel For Women
For the first time, women in Rajasthan can travel free on RSRTC buses for two consecutive days, August 9 and 10. Previously, the benefit was limited to Raksha Bandhan day alone. The scheme is applicable only for travel within Rajasthan.
Uttarakhand: Continued Tradition Of Free Travel
Uttarakhand will continue its annual tradition of offering free travel to women and children on Raksha Bandhan. The benefit applies to all government-run buses operated by the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation.
Karnataka, Punjab & Delhi: Year-Round Free Travel
These states already provide year-round free bus travel for women on government buses, so no special Raksha Bandhan announcement was necessary.
In Delhi, the benefit is available to resident women travelling on DTC and cluster buses.
In Chandigarh, women can also enjoy free travel in CTU and CCBSS buses within the Tricity region (Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula). However, this does not apply to intercity or long-distance routes.
Madhya Pradesh: Festive Bonus For Women
On August 9, Bhopal City Link Limited and Indore city buses will offer free rides to women. In addition, CM Mohan Yadav has announced a special Raksha Bandhan gift for Ladli Behna Yojana beneficiaries:
Rs 1,500 will be transferred to eligible women under the scheme.
An extra Rs 250 is being provided as a Raksha Bandhan bonus.
Over Rs 43.9 crore will be disbursed to 28 lakh women as LPG subsidy support.