Lucknow: Women aged 60 years and above in Uttar Pradesh will soon be able to travel free on State Roadways buses, with the state government making a budgetary provision in the First Supplementary Budget for 2026-27 to support the initiative.

The allocation will be used to reimburse the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) for providing free travel to eligible women passengers. The measure was among the commitments made by the Bharatiya Janata Party in its Lok Kalyan Sankalp Patra.

The initiative is expected to provide financial relief to millions of senior women, making it easier for them to travel for healthcare, family visits, religious activities and other social needs without the burden of transport costs.

The government is expected to issue detailed operational guidelines, including the implementation date, eligibility verification process and the documents required to avail the benefit. Eligible passengers are likely to be required to carry a valid government-issued age or identity proof while travelling.

In addition to the free travel scheme, the First Supplementary Budget has allocated an additional ₹1,094.40 crore to the Women Welfare Department. The funding will strengthen welfare programmes, including the Destitute Women Pension Scheme, the Mukhyamantri Bal Seva Yojana and other initiatives focused on the protection and welfare of women and children.

The additional allocation is aimed at expanding social security measures while supporting programmes related to women’s safety, dignity and economic empowerment across the state.

BI Bureau