UP Cabinet Approves 'Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yojana' for Lifelong Free Bus Travel for Women Aged 60 and Above

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, approved the Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yojana, giving lifelong free bus travel to women aged 60 and above on all UPSRTC buses across the state. Eligible women can travel by showing a valid government ID such as a Voter ID or Aadhaar card, and UPSRTC will issue special smart cards for systematic implementation. The scheme is expected to benefit over 1 crore women, with nearly 88,438 women travelling daily, at a monthly cost of about Rs 22.5 crore. It follows Tamil Nadu's expanded 'Vetri Payanam' fare-free bus travel programme.
Ahilyabai Holkar, the Malwa ruler honoured as 'Lokmata', ruled from Maheshwar in the 18th century | UPSRTC (Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) was established in 1972 | Uttar Pradesh is India's most populous state, with Lucknow as its capital