In a major festive gesture, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced two days of free travel for women across all state-operated Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) buses on August 28 and 29, 2026, to celebrate Raksha Bandhan. Under the official order, women traveling within the state will receive a 100% fare exemption, with all incurred financial costs being fully reimbursed to the transport department by the state government.Dhami Government Extends Festive Gift to WomenAhead of the auspicious festival of Raksha Bandhan, the Uttarakhand state government led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami issued a comprehensive directive granting women across the state free public transportation benefits. The initiative is designed to offer financial relief and ensure seamless, safe, and comfortable travel as thousands of women journey to meet their families and celebrate the bond between siblings.According to the official government order issued by Additional Secretary Reena Joshi, the 100% fare waiver will remain active for 48 hours covering August 28 and August 29, 2026. The state transport department has instructed UTC officials to make immediate operational arrangements, expand fleet deployments on high-demand routes, and ensure zero hassle for female passengers throughout the two-day period.Key Highlights of the Free Bus Travel SchemeParameterScheme DetailsState GovernmentUttarakhand State Government (CM Pushkar Singh Dhami)Applicable DatesAugust 28, 2026 & August 29, 2026Eligible PassengersFemale travelers across all age groupsBus Service ProviderUttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC / State Roadways)Fare Exemption100% full concession on intra-state routesFinancial SubsidyState government to fully reimburse transport expensesImplementation and Financial ProvisionsTo ensure the decision does not compromise the operational viability of the state transport authority, the government has built in an explicit financial reimbursement clause. The Uttarakhand Transport Corporation will track fare waivers during the two days and submit ticket receipts for direct reimbursement from the state treasury.Transport Corporation officials in key urban hubs including Dehradun, Haridwar, Haldwani, and Rishikesh have been directed to conduct safety checks, maintain strict scheduling, and deploy additional conductor staff. Special monitoring teams will oversee major bus stands to prevent overcrowding and streamline boarding queues during peak festive hours.Broader Initiatives for Women Empowerment in UttarakhandThe Raksha Bandhan transport announcement coincides with a series of social welfare decisions taken by the Dhami administration aimed at expanding women's economic security and dignity. In an official update shared on social media, Chief Minister Dhami also announced structural increases to state honors awarded to outstanding female contributors:Veerangana Teelu Rautela Award: Honorarium raised from ₹51,000 to ₹75,000.Anganwadi Worker Award: Financial prize increased from ₹51,000 to ₹61,000.These announcements underline the government's continued focus on strengthening social safety nets for women, combining financial incentives with accessible public infrastructure.Commuter Sentiment and Festival Travel OutlookThe two-day bus travel waiver is expected to bring substantial relief to families planning cross-district travel across both the Garhwal and Kumaon divisions. As regional bus stands prepare for elevated passenger volumes on August 28 and 29, local municipal authorities have also been instructed to deploy additional security personnel and establish dedicated help desks at major transit hubs to ensure smooth operations throughout Raksha Bandhan 2026.Uttarakhand Raksha Bandhan Free Bus Travel NewsThis video provides local news coverage on Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's announcement regarding free roadways bus travel for women on Raksha Bandhan.Also Read :- Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Joins Har Ghar Tiranga Yatra in Dehradun
