UP Govt Launches Free Bus Travel Scheme for Senior Women

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Wednesday, 5 August 2026

The Uttar Pradesh Government has announced free travel in State Roadways buses for women aged 60 years and above, marking a significant step towards improving mobility and social security for senior citizens.

The initiative has been backed by a provision of Rs 100 crore in the First Supplementary Budget for the financial year 2026-27, which will be used to reimburse the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) for implementing the scheme. The proposal fulfills a key commitment made by the Bharatiya Janata Party in its Lok Kalyan Sankalp Patra.

The scheme is expected to benefit millions of elderly women across the state by reducing travel expenses for religious pilgrimages, family visits, healthcare appointments, and other essential journeys.

Improved access to affordable public transport is also expected to enhance the independence of senior women, particularly those from low-income households and rural areas who rely heavily on state-run buses for daily mobility.

Key Highlights:

• Uttar Pradesh to provide free travel in State Roadways buses for women aged 60 years and above
• The state government has allocated ₹1,094.40 crore to strengthen women welfare schemes across Uttar Pradesh
• The initiative focuses on improving women's mobility, enhancing social security, and providing greater financial support

Alongside the transport initiative, the state government has significantly enhanced funding for women-centric welfare programs. An additional Rs 1,094.40 crore has been allocated to the Women Welfare Department through the supplementary budget.

The increased allocation aims to strengthen several existing schemes, including the Destitute Women Pension Scheme, the Mukhyamantri Bal Seva Yojana, and programs focused on the protection, rehabilitation, and welfare of women and children.

The Destitute Women Pension Scheme remains one of the state's largest social security programs for women. In its 2026-27 Budget, the Uttar Pradesh Government earmarked Rs 3,500 crore for the scheme, with the number of beneficiaries increasing from around 17.32 lakh in 2016-17 to over 38.58 lakh in 2025-26.

The government has also continued investments in initiatives such as the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana and the construction of hostels for working women as part of its broader women and child development strategy.

The latest budgetary measures reflect the government's continued focus on strengthening social security and economic support for women across different age groups. By combining free public transport for senior women with enhanced funding for pension, child welfare, and protection programs, the state aims to improve access to essential services while promoting women's safety, dignity, financial security, and overall well-being. Officials said the initiatives reinforce the government's commitment to inclusive development and welfare-oriented governance.