In a major festive announcement, UP CM Yogi Adityanath has ordered free UPSRTC bus travel for women and one companion. The directive also includes strict orders for women's safety and monsoon management.

  • Free UPSRTC bus travel for women and one companion during Raksha Bandhan.
  • Validity: From the night of August 27 to the night of August 28.
  • Directives issued to keep 'Anti-Romeo Squads' active for women's safety.
  • Strict monitoring of bus drivers and flood/waterlogging management ordered.

In a significant move to celebrate the spirit of Raksha Bandhan, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced free travel for female passengers on Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) buses. To ensure the festival is inclusive and convenient, the Chief Minister has extended this benefit to include one companion for every female passenger.

The free travel scheme is set to be effective from the night of August 27 through the night of August 28. The primary objective of this initiative is to facilitate the smooth and safe movement of women returning to their homes to celebrate the festival with their families.

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Prioritizing Safety and Traffic Management

Beyond the festive gift, the Chief Minister emphasized that convenience must not come at the cost of safety. He has directed the transport department and police to ensure that 'Anti-Romeo Squads' remain highly active to prevent any harassment of female commuters. Furthermore, traffic management on major routes is to be optimized to avoid congestion during the festive rush.

The Chief Minister has mandated strict screening of bus drivers, stating that no driver under the influence of intoxicants will be permitted to operate vehicles.

BozokMedia analysis shows that this multi-pronged approach—combining social welfare with stringent law enforcement—is designed to bolster public confidence in state-run transport systems. The verification of private bus, auto-rickshaw, and taxi drivers has also been ordered to create a safer ecosystem for women.

Monsoon Preparedness and Flood Control

During the high-level administrative meeting, CM Adityanath also addressed the critical issues of waterlogging and flooding caused by the monsoon. He sought detailed reports from divisional commissioners in major regions including Prayagraj, Varanasi, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Gorakhpur regarding the causes of waterlogging in their respective areas.

The Chief Minister issued stern instructions to municipal bodies to clear silted drains and remove encroachments that obstruct water flow. He also ordered the installation of additional pumping stations in low-lying areas to mitigate the impact of heavy rains.

In the 19 flood-affected districts, including Ballia, Gonda, and Bahraich, District Magistrates have been placed on high alert. The administration has been instructed to maintain 24/7 control rooms to monitor the situation and provide immediate relief to those affected by the rising water levels.

Did You Know?: The Uttar Pradesh government frequently uses festive periods to implement social welfare schemes aimed at increasing female mobility and participation in the economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is eligible for the free bus travel?
All female passengers traveling on UPSRTC buses are eligible, along with one accompanying companion.

2. What measures are being taken for women's safety?
The government has ordered the activation of 'Anti-Romeo Squads' and strict verification of all transport drivers.