By Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has approved a major mobility benefit for senior women, allowing those aged 60 years and above to travel free of cost for life on Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) buses. The decision was taken by the state Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, as part of a package of 24 proposals cleared on Tuesday.
The new Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yojana is expected to benefit more than one crore women across Uttar Pradesh. Eligible passengers will be able to use the facility by carrying a valid identity document, including an Aadhaar card or voter ID, while travelling on Roadways buses.
Lifetime free travel for women above 60
State Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh said women aged 60 and above will be entitled to free travel on UPSRTC buses across the state.
The scheme is designed to make travel easier for elderly women who need to travel for medical treatment, religious visits, family functions or other social and personal requirements. By removing the cost of bus travel, the government expects the initiative to improve mobility among senior women, particularly those who depend on public transport.
The decision also fulfils a commitment made by the BJP in its election manifesto.
With Raksha Bandhan approaching, the scheme is being projected by the state government as a significant welfare measure aimed at women.
Ganga Expressway to be extended towards Haridwar
The Cabinet also approved an important road infrastructure proposal involving the Ganga Expressway. The project will pave the way for extending the expressway towards Haridwar in Uttarakhand.
The proposed extension is estimated to cost Rs 10,761 crore and is expected to improve connectivity between Bijnor and Haridwar.
The larger objective is to create a faster, controlled-access road link between Prayagraj and Haridwar. Both cities are associated with the Kumbh tradition, and improved connectivity between them is expected to strengthen the road network linking different parts of Uttar Pradesh with Uttarakhand.
The project is also expected to make travel between western Uttar Pradesh and Haridwar quicker and more convenient while supporting regional connectivity.
Integrated manufacturing and logistics cluster approved in Sultanpur
Another major Cabinet decision concerns the development of an Integrated Manufacturing and Logistics Cluster (IMLC) near the Purvanchal Expressway in Sultanpur.
The project will be developed under the Industrial Corridor Scheme at an estimated cost of Rs 272.25 crore.
The proposed cluster is intended to bring manufacturing and logistics infrastructure closer together, while taking advantage of its connectivity with the Purvanchal Expressway and other major transport routes.
The government expects the project to strengthen the industrial ecosystem in the region and make it easier for manufacturing units and logistics operators to connect with wider markets.
Together, the Cabinet decisions combine a direct welfare measure for senior women with major infrastructure and industrial projects, reflecting the state government’s focus on mobility, connectivity and economic development.
