LUCKNOW, Aug. 10 -- Uttar Pradesh government's Raksha Bandhan free bus travel scheme set a new record this year, with over 50 lakh passengers availing the facility in just the first two days. The number is expected to reach 75 lakh by midnight on Sunday, according to Parivahan Nigam, which said nearly 70% of the total passengers were women travelling under the state's 'Samman Ka Tohfa' initiative.

The scheme, offering free travel in Parivahan Nigam buses from August 8 to 10, also extends to one co-traveller accompanying a woman, as per a press release.

Parivahan Nigam MD Masoom Ali Sarwar said buses usually carry 14-15 lakh passengers daily, but on festival days, a sharp surge is witnessed. On August 8, 19.5 lakh passengers availed the ...