Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana 2026: Free Bus Travel for Women Aged 60+ in UP

Uttar Pradesh Government has launched Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana to provide free bus travel to eligible women aged 60 years and above. Launched by the hon'ble Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on August 26, 2026, the scheme aims to make public transport more affordable and accessible for senior women across the state.

Under the UP Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana, eligible women aged 60+ can travel free of cost on covered Uttar Pradesh Roadways buses. It helps to reduce their transportation expenses and making it easier to travel for healthcare, family responsibilities, religious visits and other essential purposes.

The scheme is named after Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, the renowned 18th-century ruler remembered for her administration, public welfare initiatives and contribution to society. 

Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana 2026: Key Details

Particular	Details
Scheme Name	Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana
State	Uttar Pradesh
Launched By	CM Yogi Adityanath
Launch Date	26 August 2026
Eligible Beneficiaries	Women aged 60 years and above
Main Benefit	Free lifelong bus travel
Transport	Covered Uttar Pradesh Roadways/ UPSRTC buses
Coverage	Urban and rural routes
Estimated Expenditure	₹22.50 crore per month
Named After	Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar

UP Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana Launch Date?

Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana has been launched on 26 August 2026. This scheme focuses on improving mobility for senior women in Uttar Pradesh. Under the scheme, eligible women aged 60 years and above can travel free of cost on eligible Roadways buses, helping them undertake necessary journeys without worrying about regular bus fares.

*Photograph is from the launch event of Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana.

The scheme aims to make public transport more accessible and affordable for senior women, particularly those who need to travel for healthcare, family, religious and social needs. By reducing transportation expenses, the initiative can provide greater freedom and independence, while also helping women in rural areas who often travel to nearby towns and cities for essential services.

With an estimated monthly expenditure of ₹22.50 crore, the initiative was initially rolled out around Raksha Bandhan and has been positioned as a permanent welfare initiative. Named after Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, the scheme also reflects her legacy of public service, women's empowerment and dignified living. 

Cabinet Approval for Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana

The UP Free Bus Travel Scheme got cabinet approval on 25 August 2026. In the cabinet meeting, it was decided to offer free bus travel in normal UP Roadways buses operated by UPSRTC. 

To provide free travel facility, UPSRTC will issue smart cards to the women beneficiaries.  

Who is Eligible for UP Free Bus Travel Scheme for Senior Citizens?

The key eligibility requirements to avail benefit under UP Ahilyabai Holkar Matrushakti Yatra Yojana are as follows:

• Women aged 60 years and above are eligible for free travel under the scheme, subject to applicable government and UPSRTC rules.
• Beneficiaries should carry a valid government-issued identity document that establishes their age.

Documents Required for UP Free Bus Travel Scheme

• Aadhaar Card
• Voter ID Card
• Other accepted government-issued age-proof documents

The identity document may be required for verification by the bus conductor. Beneficiaries should follow the latest instructions issued by the Uttar Pradesh government or UPSRTC regarding acceptable documents and verification.

Benefits of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar Matrushakti Yatra Yojana

The scheme's primary benefit is lifelong free travel on covered Roadways buses. For senior women, this can provide practical support in several situations:

• Healthcare: Travelling to hospitals, clinics and medical appointments
• Family visits: Meeting children, relatives and other family members
• Religious travel: Visiting temples and attending religious programmes
• Social activities: Participating in community and family functions
• Essential work: Travelling to markets, government offices and nearby towns

By reducing transportation costs, the initiative can also help elderly women maintain greater independence.

₹22.50 Crore Monthly Expenditure for Matrushakti Yatra Yojana

The Uttar Pradesh government is expected to spend approximately ₹22.50 crore every month to fund free travel for eligible women.

This financial allocation indicates the scale of the programme and its intended long-term implementation. The Roadways network's reach across urban and rural areas can allow the benefit to reach senior women in different parts of Uttar Pradesh.

Why UP Free Bus Travel Scheme Named After Ahilyabai Holkar?

The scheme is named after Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, one of India's most respected historical women rulers. Ahilyabai Holkar is remembered for her administrative leadership and public welfare work. During her rule, she supported the development and restoration of temples, roads, water facilities and other public infrastructure. Her legacy of governance and public service makes her a symbolic figure for an initiative focused on women's welfare, mobility and dignity.

How Can Eligible Women Travel for Free in UP Roadways Buses?

Eligible beneficiaries of UP Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana should:

1. Carry a valid age-proof identity document.
2. Board a covered Uttar Pradesh Roadways bus.
3. Present the identity document to the conductor when required.
4. Avail the free-travel benefit according to the applicable scheme rules.

Women should confirm whether their chosen bus service is covered, particularly when travelling on special or premium services.

FAQ's on UP Ahilyabai Holkar Matrushakti Yatra Yojana

Q1. What is the official name of the UP Free Bus Travel Scheme?
The official name is Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana.

Q2. Who can get free bus travel in UP Roadways Buses?
Women aged 60 years and above, subject to the applicable eligibility rules.

Q3. Is the travel benefit lifelong?
The Ahilyabai Holkar Matrushakti Yatra scheme has been announced as a lifelong free-travel facility for eligible women.

Q4. How much does the government spend on the scheme?
The estimated expenditure for Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana is approximately ₹22.50 crore per month.

Q5. Who is the scheme named after?
The scheme is named after Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, the renowned 18th-century ruler and public welfare figure.

Source Link: Times of India - Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Scheme Overview