Record Ridership as Over 6 Lakh Women Use Free Buses on First Day

On the first day of the Raksha Bandhan free‑bus scheme, Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation recorded a historic turnout. More than 603,000 women boarded the complimentary buses, while an additional 322,000 companions traveled alongside them, pushing the overall passenger count beyond 926,000.

UPSRTC’s operations chief, Anil Kumar, stated that the corporation deployed staff and vehicles at a heightened level of readiness to guarantee smooth journeys. The department also introduced extra buses on routes experiencing higher demand, in line with government directives. Ongoing oversight ensures that service quality and passenger safety remain top priorities.

Muradabad emerged as the leading district, with 62,586 women and 32,203 co‑travellers, totaling 94,789 free rides. Hardoi, Gorakhpur, Lucknow and Bareilly followed, together accounting for roughly 369,000 passengers from these five districts.

Passengers praised the initiative for reducing the economic burden of holiday travel. Many noted that the availability of additional buses helped avoid overcrowding and allowed families to reach their destinations more comfortably and quickly.