Raksha Bandhan 2025: States offering free bus travel for women on August 9, check full list and details

As India prepares to celebrate Raksha Bandhan on Saturday, August 9, several state governments have announced free bus services for women to facilitate travel during the festival. These initiatives are aimed at helping women visit their families and brothers for Rakhi celebrations.

Uttar Pradesh: Three-day travel offer across urban and rural routes

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has approved free bus travel for women in Uttar Pradesh from August 8 to 10. The scheme applies to UPSRTC and city buses on both urban and rural routes. Additional buses will be deployed to manage increased passenger traffic, according to officials.

Haryana: Free travel for women and children

The Haryana government will offer free bus rides to women and children under the age of 15 from 12 PM on August 8 until midnight on August 9. Transport Minister Anil Vij confirmed that the scheme covers all intrastate buses, including those to Delhi and Chandigarh.

Rajasthan: First two-day travel benefit for Rakhi

Rajasthan will provide complimentary bus services on August 9 and 10. This is the first time the state has extended the benefit for two consecutive days. The scheme is applicable to all state-run buses operating within Rajasthan, as announced by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma.

Madhya Pradesh: Free city rides and festive cash benefits

In Madhya Pradesh, women in Bhopal and Indore will be able to travel free on city buses on August 9. Additionally, under the Ladli Behna Yojana, eligible women will receive a Raksha Bandhan bonus of ₹1,500 and a festive gift of ₹250. The state has disbursed ₹43.9 crore to over 28 lakh women, which also includes LPG subsidies.

Uttarakhand and Tricity: Continued implementation of free services

Uttarakhand will continue its annual practice of offering free travel to women and children through state transport services. In the Tricity area—Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula—women can avail limited free bus rides on Rakhi day.

States with ongoing free bus travel

Punjab, Karnataka, and Delhi already offer year-round free bus travel for women. In Delhi, this benefit is currently limited to local female residents travelling on DTC buses.