Lucknow, 28 Aug (HS): On the first day, a large number of

passengers took advantage of the free bus travel facility provided to women and

sisters by the Yogi government on the occasion of Rakshabandhan. More than 6.03

lakh women travelled in the buses of Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport

Corporation in the free bus travel scheme which started from August 27. At the

same time, more than 3.22 lakh co-passengers travelling with the women also got

the benefit of free travel. In this way, a total of more than 9.26 lakh

passengers travelled without paying fare on the first day. According to the

Transport Corporation, the total cost of this free travel has been estimated at

more than Rs 9.06 crore.

UPSRTC Principal Manager (Operations) Anil Kumar said on

Friday that the Transport Corporation's officers and employees are working on a

war footing to ensure that women do not face any problems on Rakshabandhan and

that they are provided with smooth and safe travel. In accordance with the

instructions received from the government and the department head, in view of

the increased number of passengers, additional buses have also been deployed on

the roads as per the need. The Corporation is continuously monitoring the

operation of buses, passenger convenience and arrangements.

These five areas have availed the maximum free service so

far: Moradabad region led the way on the first day in terms of the total number

of women and their companions, with 94,789 passengers, including 62,586 women

and 32,203 companions, traveling free of charge. Followed by Hardoi with 82,920

passengers, Gorakhpur with 68,152 passengers, Lucknow with 64,590 passengers,

and Bareilly with 58,309 passengers. A total of approximately 3.69 lakh

passengers traveled free of charge in these five regions alone.

Passengers appreciated the government's move: The free

travel facility on Rakshabandhan brought joy to both women and their fellow

passengers. Passengers said that a large number of people need to travel home

during the festival. Therefore, free bus travel has reduced the financial

burden on families. Both women and fellow passengers are appreciating this

initiative of the Yogi government. Passengers also said that the operation of

additional buses makes it easier to reach home amidst the crowds.

Transport Corporation is conducting inspection: To ensure

that eligible passengers receive the benefits of free travel and that the

entire process remains transparent, Transport Corporation teams will conduct

surprise inspections in various areas. This will not only monitor the free bus

travel arrangements but also review the facilities being provided to

passengers.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi