On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, the Haryana government has given a special gift to women across the state. As part of the celebration, women will be able to travel for free in both Haryana Roadways and private buses for two days. This initiative comes as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to make the festival more accessible and enjoyable for women.
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Details of the Free Travel Scheme
Starting from 8th August, women will be able to travel for free on Haryana Roadways buses. This special facility will be available until midnight on 9th August, making it convenient for women to travel during the Raksha Bandhan festival. Additionally, women traveling with children aged 15 or below will also be able to travel free of cost.
The Haryana government has been implementing this scheme since 2014, providing women with free bus services during Raksha Bandhan every year. This initiative was approved by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and is expected to make the festival more accessible for families looking to visit their brothers and celebrate the occasion.
Transport Minister’s Statement and Government Approval
On Wednesday, Haryana’s Transport Minister Anil Vij confirmed the announcement, stating that the Chief Minister had approved the scheme for Raksha Bandhan. The plan allows women of all age groups, along with their children, to travel for free in ordinary Haryana Roadways buses. This facility is applicable for travel within Haryana as well as to Chandigarh and Delhi, ensuring that women have the opportunity to visit their families during this important festival.
Travel Duration and Route Details
The free travel will begin at 12 PM on 8th August and continue until 12 AM on 9th August. The aim of this initiative is to make it easier for women to travel to their brothers’ homes to tie the Rakhi without worrying about transportation costs.
In addition to Haryana Roadways buses, private buses will also be part of the scheme. Preparations are being made by the Roadways department to ensure a smooth experience for travelers. Longer route buses will be replaced with buses on shorter routes or those connecting different districts. The bus schedules will be adjusted based on the number of female passengers, ensuring adequate transportation during the peak travel times.
Ensuring Safe and Convenient Travel
To ensure the safety and convenience of women passengers, buses will operate until late at night. The Haryana Roadways department has also canceled the leaves of all drivers, conductors, and other staff members. Special duty assignments will be given to employees at bus stands to ensure there are no issues for travelers. Furthermore, the government has instructed that the scheme will also apply to private buses with valid permits. If any private buses miss their scheduled trips, the transport department will take action against them.
Bhupinder Hooda’s Role in Launching the Scheme
The initiative was originally introduced by former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda during the Congress-led government in 2014. Since then, it has become an annual feature, allowing women to travel for free every year on Raksha Bandhan. This scheme has gained widespread support, with many women appreciating the ease and cost-saving it provides during one of the most significant festivals in India.
This initiative by the Haryana government is a thoughtful gesture aimed at easing the transportation challenges faced by women during Raksha Bandhan. By offering free travel for two days, the government is ensuring that women can celebrate the festival without financial concerns. The scheme also highlights the government’s ongoing commitment to improving public transportation and providing equal opportunities for women to participate in cultural and familial events.
The free travel scheme is not only a significant step towards enhancing women’s mobility but also strengthens the bond of family during Raksha Bandhan. It is expected that this initiative will continue to be a part of the annual celebrations, making the festival even more special for women in Haryana.
