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.