Raksha Bandhan, the sacred festival that celebrates the beautiful bond between brothers and sisters, will bring an extra touch of joy for the women of Rajkot this year. On Saturday, women will be able to travel free of charge in city buses and BRTS buses across Rajkot, thanks to a thoughtful initiative by the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC).
This special announcement was officially made by Mayor Naynaben Pedhadia, Deputy Mayor Narendrasinh Jadeja, Standing Committee Chairman Jaymin Thakar, Municipal Commissioner Tushar Sumera, Ruling Party Leader Liluben Jadav, and Ruling Party Dandak Manishbhai Radia. They jointly shared that as per tradition, RMC will offer free travel for women on the auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan, just like it does every year.
A Gift of Free Travel on Raksha Bandhan
India is known as a land of festivals, where people celebrate countless occasions—religious, social, and national—with great enthusiasm. One such deeply emotional and cultural festival is Raksha Bandhan, also called Balev in some regions. It is observed on the full moon day of Shravan month, and it holds great spiritual and familial significance.
On this day, sisters perform a special ritual for their brothers: they apply tilak on their foreheads, tie a rakhi (a sacred thread) on their wrists, and offer sweets. In return, brothers give gifts and promise to protect their sisters throughout their lives. This tradition reflects love, trust, and the unbreakable bond between siblings.
To honor this beautiful connection, Rajkot Rajpath Ltd., the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under RMC that manages urban transport services, has continued its yearly practice of offering free travel to women in city buses and BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System) buses.
Who Can Avail the Free Bus Service?
On Raksha Bandhan day, only women and girls will be eligible to travel free of cost on any route of the city bus or BRTS bus service in Rajkot. There is no limit to the number of trips they can take during the day. Whether a woman needs to visit her brother, attend a family gathering, or simply travel within the city, she can do so without paying any fare.
Meanwhile, male passengers will have to purchase tickets and pay the regular fixed fare during their journey, as usual.
Encouraging Women to Make Use of the Opportunity
City officials, including the Mayor and the Municipal Commissioner, have specially appealed to all women and sisters in Rajkot to take maximum benefit of this thoughtful gift. The free BRTS and city bus service is meant to make it easier for women to visit their loved ones and celebrate the festival without worrying about transport costs.
They emphasized that this initiative reflects the cultural spirit of India, where festivals like Raksha Bandhan are not just celebrated within families but also acknowledged by the government and public bodies to spread happiness and inclusivity.
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Rajkot Leads by Example
While many cities across India mark Raksha Bandhan with family gatherings and traditional rituals, Rajkot stands out by making a real, tangible difference in the lives of women. Free bus travel may seem like a small gesture, but for many women—especially those from modest backgrounds—it is a meaningful and empowering step.
By removing the barrier of transport cost, RMC ensures that no sister has to miss visiting her brother due to travel expenses. It also promotes the use of public transport, reduces traffic congestion, and encourages a sense of safety and freedom among women travelers.
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A Festival of Love, Trust, and Community Support
Raksha Bandhan is more than a cultural festival—it is a celebration of love, trust, and lifelong bonds. And when government bodies like the Rajkot Municipal Corporation step in with initiatives like free travel for women, it adds a socially responsible and inclusive layer to the occasion.
The city’s message is clear: festivals are for everyone, and supporting women on such special days makes the celebration even more meaningful. Rajkot has set an inspiring example that other cities can follow in combining tradition with thoughtful civic action.