The Uttar Pradesh government has announced free bus travel for women during the Raksha Bandhan festival. Under the initiative, women will be able to travel without paying fares on state-run buses from August 27 to August 29, 2026.

The move has been announced ahead of Raksha Bandhan, which will be celebrated on August 28, with the aim of facilitating travel for women visiting their families and relatives during the festival period.

Free Travel From August 27

According to the announcement, women, including mothers and sisters travelling during the festive period, will be allowed to use the designated state bus services without paying a fare between August 27 and August 29.

The temporary fare waiver is intended to make festival travel more convenient for women and help them reach their destinations during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Raksha Bandhan Travel Arrangements

Raksha Bandhan traditionally sees increased movement of people as families come together to celebrate the festival. The free bus travel facility is expected to provide additional support to women travelling across the state during the three-day period.

The announcement comes as transport services typically witness higher passenger demand around major festivals, particularly on routes connecting cities, towns and rural areas.

Focus on Women Passengers

The initiative specifically targets women passengers and covers the period surrounding Raksha Bandhan. By removing the fare requirement, the government aims to ease one of the expenses associated with festive travel.

Women planning to use the facility should check the applicable state transport service and route-level arrangements before travelling, as operational conditions may vary.

Three-Day Facility

The free travel arrangement will remain in effect from August 27 through August 29, 2026. The festival itself falls on August 28.

The announcement is part of the arrangements being made around Raksha Bandhan to facilitate passenger movement across Uttar Pradesh.

What Women Should Know

Women travelling during the period should carry valid identification and follow the instructions issued by transport authorities. Passengers should also allow additional travel time because of the expected increase in demand around the festival.

The free bus travel facility is limited to the period announced by the Uttar Pradesh government and does not indicate a permanent change in bus fares.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a Janta Darshan in Gorakhpur on Friday, where he personally met around 150 people, listened to their grievances, and assured them that every complaint would be addressed through prompt and fair action.

The public interaction marked the second consecutive day of grievance redressal during the Chief Minister's three-day visit to Gorakhpur.

Personally Reviewed Public Complaints

The Janta Darshan was held outside the Mahant Digvijaynath Smriti Bhawan within the Gorakhnath Temple complex.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met each applicant individually, accepted written representations, and issued on-the-spot instructions to officials accompanying him. Applications were forwarded to the relevant administrative and police departments with directions to ensure time-bound and transparent resolution.

He emphasized that every grievance should be handled seriously and without unnecessary delay.

Strict Directions on Crime and Land Encroachment

During the public hearing, several complaints related to crime, illegal land encroachment, and law and order were raised.

The Chief Minister instructed police officials to take strict legal action in such cases and ensure that complainants receive justice without delay.

Officials were also directed to closely monitor the progress of these cases and maintain accountability in resolving them.

Medical Assistance Cases Reviewed

Yogi Adityanath also examined applications seeking financial assistance for medical treatment.

He instructed officials to immediately prepare hospital cost estimates so that eligible beneficiaries could receive government financial support as quickly as possible.

The Chief Minister assured applicants that once the required estimates are submitted, the government would expedite the release of assistance.

Interaction With Families and Children

Several women attended the Janta Darshan along with their children.

During the interaction, the Chief Minister greeted the children, blessed them, and distributed chocolates, creating a friendly atmosphere during the public outreach programme.

Visit to Gorakhnath Temple Gaushala

Later in the morning, Yogi Adityanath visited the gaushala (cowshed) at the Gorakhnath Temple.

Temple officials said the Chief Minister called several cows by their names, and the animals responded by approaching him. He spent time feeding them jaggery and bread, patted them affectionately, and also offered food to other cattle and Nandi housed at the cowshed.

Before leaving, he instructed the gaushala staff to continue ensuring proper care, nutrition, and welfare of the animals.

Focus on Responsive Governance

The Janta Darshan programme remains one of the Uttar Pradesh government's key public outreach initiatives, allowing citizens to directly present their concerns before the Chief Minister.

Officials said the complaints received during the session covered a range of issues, including law and order, land disputes, healthcare assistance, revenue matters, and other administrative concerns.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government is committed to ensuring quick, transparent, and citizen-centric grievance redressal.

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Tuesday approved 18 key proposals, including the launch of the Rani Lakshmibai Scooty Scheme for meritorious female graduates and the construction of the 330-km Vindhya Expressway. The Cabinet also announced that the Monsoon Session of the Uttar Pradesh Legislature will be held from August 3 to August 6.

The decisions are aimed at promoting women’s education, strengthening infrastructure, and improving regional connectivity across the state. Along with the Vindhya Expressway, the government also approved the Vindhya–Purvanchal Link Expressway, which will integrate Uttar Pradesh’s major expressway network.

Free Scooters for Meritorious Girl Students

Under the Rani Lakshmibai Scooty Scheme, female students who complete their graduation will receive free scooters. The benefit will be available to students from families with an annual income below ₹10 lakh, while only the top 5% performers in every university and college will qualify.

Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay said the government would provide more than just scooters. The package will include vehicle registration, insurance, helmets, essential accessories, and five litres of petrol, ensuring that students receive complete support.

The scooters will be petrol-powered and procured through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal. The minister also announced that the income limit would not apply to differently-abled students, daughters of martyrs, and girls from destitute families, making the scheme more inclusive.

The initiative is expected to encourage higher education among women while improving their mobility, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions.

Vindhya Expressway to Boost Regional Connectivity

The Cabinet also approved the 330-km Vindhya Expressway, estimated to cost around ₹22,400 crore. The expressway will begin from the terminal point of the Ganga Expressway at Sonwar Tehsil in Prayagraj and pass through Mirzapur, Bhadohi, Varanasi, Chandauli, and Sonbhadra.

Once completed, the project will directly connect Uttar Pradesh with the borders of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand, significantly improving interstate trade and logistics.

The expressway will pass through approximately 341 villages, requiring nearly 2,800 hectares of land. Officials said travel time between Prayagraj and Sonbhadra would reduce from the current six-and-a-half hours to around three hours and fifteen minutes.

Vindhya–Purvanchal Link Expressway Approved

The government also sanctioned the 130-km Vindhya–Purvanchal Link Expressway, which will connect the Purvanchal Expressway with the new Vindhya Expressway.

The link road will pass through Ghazipur, Chandauli, Varanasi, and Mirzapur, covering around 135 villages and requiring another 2,800 hectares of land.

Once operational, the corridor will integrate the Purvanchal, Vindhya, and Ganga Expressways, creating seamless road connectivity from Delhi to the borders of Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.

Monsoon Session from August 3

The Cabinet also announced that the Monsoon Session of the Uttar Pradesh Legislature will be held from August 3 to August 6, during which the government is expected to introduce and discuss several important legislative and policy matters.

The latest Cabinet decisions reflect the state's dual focus on women’s empowerment through education and large-scale infrastructure development. While the free scooter scheme is expected to improve educational access and mobility for deserving students, the expressway projects aim to strengthen industrial growth, regional connectivity, and economic development across eastern and southern Uttar Pradesh.

The visit is being seen as part of the state government's broader push to strengthen public services and accelerate development works across districts ahead of the next phase of infrastructure expansion in Uttar Pradesh.

According to official information, the Chief Minister will begin his programme in Pratapgarh, where projects valued at over ₹384 crore will be launched in the Pratapgarh and Vishwanathganj Assembly constituencies. A total of 111 projects are included in this package.

These projects cover a range of sectors such as road connectivity, healthcare facilities, educational infrastructure, rural development and drinking water schemes. Officials said the initiatives are expected to improve public services and create better access to essential facilities in urban as well as rural areas.

Later in the day, Adityanath will travel to Sultanpur, where he will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for 99 projects worth more than ₹819 crore in the Sultanpur and Isauli Assembly segments.

The projects are aimed at strengthening local infrastructure, expanding development works and improving the delivery of government welfare programmes. State authorities believe the investments will contribute to long-term economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents in the region.

One of the major highlights of the Chief Minister’s visit is the inauguration of a government medical college and several healthcare-related initiatives. The state government has placed significant emphasis on expanding medical infrastructure in recent years, particularly in districts that previously lacked advanced healthcare facilities.

In a message posted on social media platform X, Adityanath said the visit would mark the beginning of several new initiatives related to health, development and public welfare in Pratapgarh and Sultanpur. He noted that multiple important projects, including a government medical college, would be dedicated to the public during the programme.

Apart from infrastructure projects, the Chief Minister is also expected to distribute benefits under various welfare schemes. Beneficiaries will receive assistance in the form of cheques, Ayushman cards, sewing machines, approval letters, house keys, certificates and recognition awards under different government programmes.

Officials said the event has been designed not only as an inauguration ceremony but also as an opportunity to directly connect welfare benefits with eligible citizens. Such outreach programmes have become a regular feature of government events in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in districts undergoing major development works.

The state government has linked these projects to its broader vision of a “Viksit Uttar Pradesh” or Developed Uttar Pradesh. According to officials, investments in healthcare, roads, education and basic infrastructure are expected to strengthen economic activity and improve public service delivery across the state.

Meanwhile, extensive security and traffic arrangements have been put in place for the Chief Minister’s visit. The Pratapgarh district administration has announced traffic diversions from 6 am to 10 pm and imposed restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles within city limits.

Authorities have advised commuters to use alternative routes and follow traffic advisories issued by the administration to avoid inconvenience during the high-profile visit.

Four arrested, six LDA officials suspended as investigation reveals building was illegal; 48 coaching centres sealed across UP so far.

The Lucknow Development Authority has pasted a demolition notice on the building where 15 students died in a devastating fire, as authorities revealed the structure was allegedly illegal. The property owner and three others have been arrested on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

The building, located in Lucknow's Aliganj area, housed a pet shop and clinic in the basement and ground floor. The second floor contained "Learning Space" — a library and coaching centre — along with Head Hopper Studio, which works in 3D art production.

Authorities said a demolition order had been issued against the structure in 2016, but it was later revoked. The LDA has now given the owner 15 days to respond before proceeding with demolition.

Four Arrested, Six LDA Officials Suspended

Police have registered a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and arrested four accused, including Virendra Shukla, owner of Rameshwaram Institute of Technology and Management, which operated from the premises. Six LDA officials have been suspended, while notices have been sent to the state government against 18 officials.

The Special Investigation Team, comprising IAS officer Amrit Abhijat and IPS officer Praveen Kumar, inspected the building on Wednesday and collected evidence from the spot. The team questioned injured survivors and family members at KGMU trauma centre for nearly 90 minutes.

"People connected to the incident will be questioned, and we will also speak to the affected families," ADG Praveen Kumar said. "We are currently inspecting the scene. Our report will be submitted soon."

Statewide Crackdown on Coaching Centres

Following the tragedy, police and administrative authorities have launched statewide inspections of coaching centres and hotels. So far, 48 coaching institutes and three hotels have been sealed across 20 cities for failing to meet fire safety requirements.

In Kanpur, 30 coaching centres have been sealed. Varanasi reported two seals, while Noida and Mathura each had one. Two hotels in Bareilly and one in Mathura were also shut down.

In Lucknow, the crackdown hit major coaching brands:

- Allen Coaching Centre in Hazratganj was sealed around noon on Wednesday

- Allen Centre in Krishna Nagar was also sealed, with students sent home

- Physics Wallah centre in KBC-2 Tower was sealed by LDA officials

- Paramount Coaching in Aliganj was sealed over illegal construction

- Gravity Coaching in Kapurthala — the operator reportedly fled before LDA arrival

LDA Zone-2 Zonal Officer Ravi Nandan Singh said inspections are currently being carried out at coaching institutes across the city. Action is being taken against centres not complying with prescribed safety standards.

Students who arrived for classes at sealed centres were left waiting outside. Many were later allowed to collect essential items under supervision before being escorted out.

CM Yogi Calls It a 'Major Lesson'

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath chaired a high-level meeting on Tuesday evening and described the tragedy as a major lesson for the state. He said there would be no compromise on safety standards.

"Fire safety is not merely a regulatory requirement but a matter of protecting human lives," he said.

Key decisions announced:

- Statewide fire safety audits to be conducted in mission mode

- Hospitals, nursing homes, coaching centres, malls and government buildings to be inspected

- Registration to be made mandatory for all coaching institutes

- Commercial buildings must prominently display fire NOC

- Commercial activities will not be allowed in residential buildings or basements

- Basements approved for parking must be used only for parking

- Electrical load in commercial buildings will also be inspected

- Public awareness campaigns to be conducted before enforcement action

The Chief Minister also reviewed the state's fire response system. Currently, 296 of 350 tehsils have 326 operational permanent fire stations. Twenty-six new fire stations are ready for inauguration, construction of 25 more is underway, and DPRs are being prepared for 47 additional stations.

Victims: 21-Year-Old Aditya's Sister Breaks Down

Aditya Srivastava, 21, from Sitapur, was among those killed. When his body reached home on Wednesday morning, his sister Nishtha broke down and clung to her brother's body.

Aditya's father is a lawyer and his mother a shiksha mitra in a primary school. He was the second among four siblings.

Jayant Gupta, who jumped from the building to escape the flames, underwent an MRI on Wednesday morning. Doctors will decide whether surgery is required based on the report. He remains admitted to the Trauma Surgery Department.

What Was Operating Inside the Building?

The ill-fated building in Aliganj housed multiple operations across its four floors. The basement, ground floor and first floor contained a pet shop and clinic. The second floor hosted "Learning Space" — used as a library and coaching centre — along with Head Hopper Studio, which works in 3D art production and game asset outsourcing.

The mix of commercial and coaching operations in a residential-style building appears to be a key factor in the tragedy, with officials pointing to violations of building regulations and safety norms.

Fear Grips Commercial Establishments

Following the crackdown, several shops and commercial establishments remained shut as owners feared action. Many coaching centres, studios, pet shops and stationery stores began removing signboards from their establishments.

Bhaskar reporter Nikhil Sahu reported that inspections and enforcement drives have created widespread concern among business owners, prompting many to keep their shutters down.

The building where the tragedy occurred has been sealed by authorities. On Wednesday, several people arrived at the site to see the structure, with many recording videos of the building.

LDA officials said bulldozer action against the illegal structure is planned for July 7.

Yogi Adityanath Warns Against Namaz on Roads Ahead of Bakrid

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday issued a firm warning against offering namaz on roads, asserting that the state government would not permit any disruption to public movement as Bakrid approaches. Speaking at a media house event in the state capital, the Chief Minister made it clear that while prayers would not be stopped, they must remain confined to designated spaces.

Strict Stance on Public Spaces

Yogi Adityanath emphasised that roads are meant for traffic and common citizens, not for religious gatherings. “Namaz will not be allowed on roads. If people agree peacefully, fine; otherwise, stricter measures will be taken,” he said. He added that prayers should be offered at mosques, Eidgahs, or other designated places, and larger congregations could be managed in shifts if necessary. 

The remarks come nearly a week before Bakrid, when large numbers typically gather for Eid prayers. Officials have been directed to ensure compliance with existing orders that ban namaz on thoroughfares.

Law Applies Equally to All

The Chief Minister stressed that the law remains the same for everyone in Uttar Pradesh. “People ask me whether namaz happens on roads in UP? I say, absolutely not. Roads are for common people to walk on. No one has the right to come and disturb traffic,” he stated. 

He referred to a previous incident in Bareilly in September 2025, where tensions arose over a protest following namaz, leading to stone-pelting and subsequent police action. “People tried their hand in Bareilly, and they also saw the strength of the government,” Yogi Adityanath noted, underscoring that no one would be allowed to block roads or create disorder.

2022-23 Ban on Roadside Namaz

The Yogi government had already imposed a complete ban on offering namaz on roads in 2022-2023. Instructions were issued to restrict religious events, including those on Eid and Alvida Jumma, to proper religious venues. Local administrations have since been enforcing these guidelines to prevent traffic snarls and maintain public order.

Highlighting State’s Transformation

While addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister also spoke about the broader changes in Uttar Pradesh. He recalled how the state was once associated with violence and instability but is now manufacturing BrahMos missiles. “If the atmosphere is negative, ‘One District-One Mafia’ emerges. If it is positive, ‘One District-One Product’ is created,” he observed. 

Yogi Adityanath pointed to rising investments, increasing employment, and the state’s progress towards becoming a one trillion-dollar economy. He also highlighted improvements in women’s safety, noting that women now work night shifts and return home without fear. “No one can harass daughters now,” he said. The state has remained revenue surplus for six years and is no longer considered a BIMARU state, he added.

Balanced Development Across Districts

The government, according to the Chief Minister, is focusing on equitable growth across all 75 districts, leveraging agriculture, infrastructure, and the power of the youth. He reiterated that Uttar Pradesh no longer needs to depend on external support and has immense internal potential.

During recent election campaigns in West Bengal, Yogi Adityanath had criticised alleged appeasement politics there, contrasting it with the situation in Uttar Pradesh where roads are kept clear for traffic and festivals proceed peacefully without curfews or riots.

Public Order Before Festival

As preparations for Bakrid gain pace, the administration is expected to step up vigil to ensure prayers do not spill onto roads. Local police and district officials have been asked to coordinate with community leaders for smooth conduct of religious events within permitted limits. 

Authorities say the focus remains on maintaining law and order while respecting religious sentiments. The message from the top appears clear: religious freedom is protected, but public spaces cannot be allowed to turn into arenas of chaos.

The Chief Minister’s remarks are likely to set the tone for administrative preparedness in the coming days across the state.