Uttar Pradesh Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana

Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana is a flagship women-centric welfare scheme of the Uttar Pradesh Government, implemented through the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC). The scheme provides lifetime free travel on ordinary UPSRTC buses to women aged 60 years and above residing in Uttar Pradesh. Approved by the State Cabinet on 25 August 2026 and launched by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on 26 August 2026, the initiative aims to improve mobility, independence, and access to essential services for senior women. Eligible beneficiaries can currently avail the facility by showing their Aadhaar Card or Voter ID Card while travelling.

Introduction of Uttar Pradesh Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana: A Brief Insight

For many elderly women in Uttar Pradesh, even a short journey to a temple, hospital, market, or a relative’s home can become difficult when travel expenses have to be managed alongside daily household needs. As age advances and income sources become limited, transport costs often discourage senior women from travelling independently. To address this challenge and make mobility more accessible, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, approved the Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana on 25 August 2026, with the scheme being formally launched in Lucknow on 26 August 2026.

The scheme is being implemented through the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC). Named after Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, a respected ruler known for her public welfare initiatives, the programme aims to strengthen the state’s commitment towards women’s welfare and social empowerment. Its primary objective is to ensure that senior women can travel safely, conveniently, and without financial burden for healthcare, religious visits, social gatherings, family responsibilities, and other essential purposes.

Under the Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana, women aged 60 years and above are entitled to lifetime free travel on ordinary UPSRTC buses operating across Uttar Pradesh. At present, eligible women can avail the benefit simply by showing their Aadhaar Card or Voter ID Card to the bus conductor. To make the system more efficient and transparent, the state government has also announced the introduction of a dedicated Smart Card, which is expected to simplify verification and travel in the coming months.

The scheme is expected to benefit nearly 1 crore senior women across the state. According to government estimates, more than 88,000 women may use the facility daily, with the state bearing an estimated expenditure of around Rs. 22.5 crore every month. By removing fare-related concerns, the government aims to provide elderly women with greater independence, dignity, and access to opportunities that require regular travel.

One important point to remember is that this is a permanent welfare scheme and should not be confused with the separate Raksha Bandhan free-travel facility announced by the state government. The Raksha Bandhan offer was a temporary festival-related concession available for a limited period, whereas the Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana provides an ongoing lifetime benefit for eligible senior women.

Any woman who is 60 years of age or older, resides in Uttar Pradesh, and carries a valid Aadhaar Card or Voter ID Card can currently start availing the benefit without completing any separate registration process. Until the Smart Card system is officially introduced, identity verification at the time of travel remains the only requirement. For assistance, women can contact their nearest UPSRTC depot or use the UPSRTC helpline services. Regular updates regarding Smart Card registration and implementation are expected to be published on the official UPSRTC portal.

Senior citizens in Uttar Pradesh can also explore the Old Age Pension Scheme, which provides monthly financial assistance to eligible elderly residents for their day-to-day needs. Women looking for support with household energy expenses may also benefit from the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, which offers subsidised LPG connections to eligible women from economically weaker households.

Senior women and anyone looking for more welfare, transport, pension, and social security schemes available under the Uttar Pradesh Government can explore all available programmes on our Uttar Pradesh Government Schemes page.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

The Uttar Pradesh Government, through the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC), offers the following benefits under the Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana for senior women across the state:

Lifetime Free Travel on UPSRTC Ordinary Buses

• Lifetime free bus travel for eligible women on ordinary buses operated by UPSRTC across Uttar Pradesh
• The benefit remains available for as long as the beneficiary continues to meet the eligibility conditions and carries valid identity proof
• No ticket fare is required to be paid while travelling on eligible UPSRTC ordinary bus services
• Helps senior women travel independently for religious visits, medical appointments, family functions, social activities, and other personal needs

Smart Card-Based Travel Facility

• The Uttar Pradesh Government has announced that UPSRTC will introduce a dedicated Smart Card system for easier and more transparent implementation of the scheme
• The Smart Card is expected to simplify beneficiary identification and reduce delays during travel
• Until the Smart Card system becomes operational, eligible women can avail the benefit by showing their Aadhaar Card or Voter ID Card to verify their age and identity

Large-Scale Coverage Across Uttar Pradesh

• Approximately 1 crore women aged 60 years and above are expected to benefit from the scheme
• Reported estimates indicate that more than 88,000 senior women may use the facility every day
• The scheme is expected to significantly reduce travel expenses for elderly women, particularly those who depend on public transport for regular journeys

Government-Funded Travel Support

• The cost of providing free travel will be borne by the Government of Uttar Pradesh
• UPSRTC is expected to receive reimbursement from the Transport Department for the fare concession provided under the scheme
• Reports estimate the scheme expenditure at around Rs. 22.5 crore per month

Separate Raksha Bandhan Free Travel Facility

Alongside this permanent scheme, the Uttar Pradesh Government has also announced a special Raksha Bandhan free travel facility for mothers, sisters, and daughters of all age groups, along with one accompanying person, on all UPSRTC buses from 6:00 AM on 27 August 2026 until midnight on 29 August 2026. This festival-related concession is separate from the Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana and operates under different eligibility conditions.

Note: The free travel benefit under the Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana is currently limited to ordinary buses operated by UPSRTC. It does not apply to private buses, urban transport services, railway travel, air travel, or transport services operated by other states.

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

The Uttar Pradesh Government has prescribed the following eligibility conditions under the Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana, launched to provide free bus travel facilities to senior women across the state:

• The applicant must be a woman
• The applicant must be 60 years of age or above
• The applicant must be a resident of Uttar Pradesh
• The applicant must carry a valid government-issued identity proof showing age and identity, such as an Aadhaar Card or Voter ID Card
• The journey must be undertaken on an ordinary bus operated by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC)

No Income Limit or Category Restriction

• No income limit has been prescribed under the scheme
• The benefit is available irrespective of caste, religion, category, or economic status
• Women do not need to possess a BPL card or any poverty certificate to avail the facility

Points Awaiting Official Clarification

• Whether the age of 60 years must be completed on the date of travel or at the time of Smart Card registration
• Whether separate Uttar Pradesh residence proof will be required once the Smart Card system is introduced
• Whether digital copies through DigiLocker will be accepted in place of physical identity documents
• The procedure to be followed in case of discrepancies in name, address, or date of birth across documents
• The detailed registration process for obtaining the proposed UPSRTC Smart Card

Important: Eligible women can currently avail the free travel benefit by showing their Aadhaar Card or Voter ID Card while boarding a UPSRTC ordinary bus. Until the Smart Card system is formally rolled out, no separate registration or application process has been notified.

Note: The Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana is a permanent welfare initiative exclusively for women aged 60 years and above. It should not be confused with the separate Raksha Bandhan Free Bus Travel Facility, which is a temporary festival-related concession available to women of all age groups for a limited period. At present, there is no provision for free travel of an accompanying person under the Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana.

Documents Required for Availing the Benefit

The Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana was launched by the Government of Uttar Pradesh on 26 August 2026. As of now, neither the State Government nor the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has released a separate application form or detailed document checklist for beneficiaries. Since eligible women can currently avail the benefit directly while travelling, only basic identity and age-verification documents are required.

• Aadhaar Card – to verify age and Uttar Pradesh residency
• Voter ID Card – accepted as an alternative government-issued identity proof
• Passport-size Photograph – may be required in the future if UPSRTC introduces a Smart Card registration process
• Mobile Number – likely to be required for Smart Card registration, once notified

Important: At present, women do not need to submit any application form or visit any office to avail the free travel benefit or to make the smart card. Eligible beneficiaries can simply show their Aadhaar Card or Voter ID Card to the conductor while boarding a UPSRTC bus to establish their eligibility.

Note: UPSRTC has announced plans to introduce a dedicated Smart Card system to make beneficiary verification faster and more convenient. Once the Smart Card process is launched, additional documents may be prescribed. Beneficiaries should regularly check the UPSRTC Official Website for the latest guidelines, registration process, and document requirements.

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme

The Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana was launched on 26 August 2026, and the Uttar Pradesh Government is implementing the scheme in a phased manner. At present, eligible women can avail the benefit directly using their identity documents, while a dedicated Smart Card system is planned for future implementation.

Current Process – How Eligible Women Can Travel Free Today

Step 1: Ensure that you meet the eligibility conditions of the scheme. You must be a woman aged 60 years or above and a resident of Uttar Pradesh.

Step 2: Before starting your journey, carry your original Aadhaar Card or Voter ID Card. These documents are currently used to verify your age, identity, and eligibility under the scheme.

Step 3: Board any ordinary bus operated by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) and take your seat as you normally would.

Step 4: When the conductor arrives for ticket verification, inform them that you are travelling under the Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana and present your Aadhaar Card or Voter ID Card for verification.

Step 5: After confirming your eligibility, the conductor will record the journey as per UPSRTC procedures and allow you to travel without paying any fare.

Step 6: Continue your journey normally. At present, there is no separate registration, application form, approval letter, or pre-enrolment process required to avail the benefit.

Future Process – After Introduction of the Smart Card System

The Uttar Pradesh Government has officially announced that UPSRTC will introduce a dedicated Smart Card system to make beneficiary identification faster, smoother, and more transparent. Once the Smart Card mechanism is launched, the process is expected to become even more convenient.

Step 1: Eligible women may be required to visit a nearby UPSRTC depot, designated registration centre, or online platform notified by the government to apply for the Smart Card.

Step 2: Applicants may need to submit basic documents such as their Aadhaar Card, photograph, and other details prescribed in the official notification.

Step 3: After verification, UPSRTC is expected to issue a Smart Card confirming the beneficiary’s eligibility under the scheme.

Step 4: During future journeys, beneficiaries may simply present or scan the Smart Card instead of repeatedly showing identity documents for every trip.

Step 5: Conductors will be able to verify eligibility instantly through the Smart Card system, helping reduce waiting time and making the travel experience more convenient for senior women.

Important: The Smart Card registration process, issuing authority, application centres, and launch date have not yet been officially notified. The steps above reflect the implementation model indicated by government announcements and may be refined once detailed operational guidelines are released.

Note: Until the Smart Card system becomes operational, eligible women should continue using their Aadhaar Card or Voter ID Card to avail the free travel facility. Do not share personal documents with unauthorised agents or pay anyone claiming to provide early Smart Card registration. If you face any difficulty while availing the benefit, note the bus number, route, depot, date, and time of travel, and report the matter through the official UPSRTC grievance channels.

Important Links Available of the Scheme

• Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) Official Portal
• Government of Uttar Pradesh Official State Portal

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

• Implementing Body: Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC), Transport Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh
• UPSRTC Toll-Free Helpline: 1800-180-2877
• Email: info@upsrtc.com
• Helpline Email: helpline@upsrtc.com
• WhatsApp: 9415049606
• Headquarters: Tehri Kothi, M.G. Marg, Lucknow – 226001
• Local Level: Contact your nearest UPSRTC depot or regional office for on-ground queries regarding free travel or the upcoming Smart Card

Note: If a conductor refuses free travel despite valid identity proof, keep a record of the bus number, route, date, time, depot, and conductor details, and raise the complaint through the toll-free helpline or WhatsApp number above.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana?

Ans. Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana is a flagship welfare initiative of the Uttar Pradesh Government that provides lifetime free travel on UPSRTC ordinary buses to eligible women aged 60 years and above. The scheme was approved by the State Cabinet on 25 August 2026 and formally launched by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on 26 August 2026 in Lucknow.

Q. Who can avail the benefit of Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana?

Ans. Any woman who is 60 years of age or above, is a resident of Uttar Pradesh, and possesses a valid identity document such as an Aadhaar Card or Voter ID Card can avail the benefit. No income-based eligibility condition has been prescribed.

Q. Is there any income limit or BPL requirement under the scheme?

Ans. No. The scheme is not linked to BPL status, caste, religion, or family income. Eligible senior women can avail the benefit irrespective of their economic category.

Q. Which buses are covered under this scheme?

Ans. The free travel facility is currently available on ordinary buses operated by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC). The benefit does not automatically extend to private buses, metro services, railways, or transport services operated by other agencies.

Q. How can eligible women avail free travel at present?

Ans. Eligible women can board an ordinary UPSRTC bus and show their original Aadhaar Card or Voter ID Card to the conductor for age and identity verification. No prior registration or approval is currently required.

Q. Has the government announced a Smart Card under the scheme?

Ans. Yes. The Uttar Pradesh Government has confirmed that UPSRTC will introduce a dedicated Smart Card system to make beneficiary verification quicker and more transparent. Detailed registration guidelines are still awaited.

Q. Is the Smart Card mandatory right now?

Ans. No. The Smart Card system has not yet been rolled out. Until it becomes operational, eligible women can continue to avail the benefit using their Aadhaar Card or Voter ID Card.

Q. How many women are expected to benefit from Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana?

Ans. The scheme is expected to benefit approximately 1 crore senior women across Uttar Pradesh, making it one of the largest women-centric public transport welfare initiatives in the state.

Q. What is the estimated cost of implementing this scheme?

Ans. Reports indicate that the scheme may cost around Rs. 22.5 crore per month. The expenditure incurred by UPSRTC for providing free travel is expected to be reimbursed by the State Transport Department.

Q. Is the Raksha Bandhan free travel facility part of this scheme?

Ans. No. The Raksha Bandhan free travel announcement is a separate and temporary facility. Under that special arrangement, women of all age groups, along with one companion, can travel free on UPSRTC buses during the notified festival period. It should not be confused with the permanent Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana.

Q. Can a family member or companion travel free along with the beneficiary?

Ans. No such provision has been announced under the permanent scheme. The free travel benefit is currently available only to eligible women beneficiaries. The companion facility applies only to the separate Raksha Bandhan concession.

Q. Do beneficiaries need to fill any application form?

Ans. No separate application form, online registration process, or approval mechanism has been notified so far. Eligible women can directly avail the benefit at the time of travel by presenting valid identity proof.

Q. What should I do if I am denied the benefit despite being eligible?

Ans. If free travel is refused despite showing valid documents, note the bus number, route, depot name, date, and time of travel. You can then submit a complaint through UPSRTC’s official grievance channels for appropriate action.

Q. Where can I get official updates about Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana?

Ans. Beneficiaries can contact their nearest UPSRTC depot, call the UPSRTC toll-free helpline at 1800-180-2877, send a message on WhatsApp at 9415049606, or visit the official UPSRTC portal for the latest announcements, Smart Card updates, and operational guidelines.

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.