President Murmu launches fare-free e-bus service 'RAAHI', 3rd edition of e-Upahaar auction on completion of 4 years in office
New Delhi, July 28
President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday launched RAAHI, a fare-free electric bus service, and the third edition of e-Upahaar, an auction of curated Presidential gifts, on the completion of four years of her Presidency.
Sharing details of the launch, the President of India's official X account stated that RAAHI was introduced to promote green and inclusive mobility.
"Promoting green and inclusive mobility, President Droupadi Murmu launched RAAHI (Rashtrapati Bhavan Access And Heritage Interconnector), a fare-free electric bus service, on completion of four years of her Presidency," the President of India's official X account posted.
"Introduced for the staff and residents of the President's Estate, the 27-seater bus is equipped with wheelchair accessibility and is operated by women drivers and conductors. The initiative aims to provide safe, convenient and inclusive mobility, particularly for women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities," the post read.
In another post on X, President Murmu announced the launch of the third edition of e-Upahaar, featuring 300 curated Presidential gifts that will be available for public auction.
"On completion of four years of her Presidency, President Droupadi Murmu launched the third edition of e-Upahaar, featuring 300 curated Presidential gifts for public auction. The auction will be open from 5 August to 5 September 2026," she said.
The President added that all proceeds generated through the auction would be utilised to support social causes.
According to the E-Upahaar official website, in keeping with the vision of the President Droupadi Murmu to make Rashtrapati Bhavan truly 'Rashtra Ka Bhavan'-- a People's House that belongs to every citizen, we are delighted to announce the third edition of E-Upahaar, the auction of the Presidential Gift Collection. Launched on the occasion of the successful completion of four years of her Presidency, this initiative reflects the enduring spirit of public service, inclusivity, and shared national responsibility.
The inaugural edition, E-Upahaar 2024 and the second edition, E-Uphaar 2025, witnessed an overwhelming response from people across the country. Collectors, art enthusiasts, and citizens from diverse walks of life came forward with remarkable enthusiasm to acquire these treasured gifts. In doing so, they did far more than collect objects of historical significance; they became partners in a noble social mission. The proceeds from the auction were dedicated to the welfare of various sections of society, transforming symbols of honour into instruments of hope and positive change.
E-Upahaar offers citizens a rare opportunity to become part of a meaningful national endeavour. It is an invitation to own a cherished piece of India's living history while contributing to a cause that extends far beyond the auction itself. Each bid becomes an expression of solidarity, compassion, and commitment to the larger good.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While the bus service is a nice gesture for the Rashtrapati Bhavan staff, I hope such initiatives are expanded to other government offices and residential colonies too. The e-Upahaar auction is interesting – it's a creative way to raise funds for social causes while letting citizens own a piece of history. Let's see how the auction goes this time.
As someone who follows Indian politics, I find the e-Upahaar concept quite unique. Turning diplomatic gifts into funds for social welfare is a smart move. The transparency of such auctions could be improved though – more details on how proceeds are used would build greater trust. The bus service is a nice touch for inclusivity.
RAAHI is a beautiful name – fitting for an initiative that aims to connect people and heritage. Happy to see women drivers and conductors being employed. But I wish such services were available for the general public too, not just within the President's Estate. Still, it's a good start. 🇮🇳
I appreciate the focus on green mobility and inclusivity with the wheelchair accessibility and women drivers. However, I'm a bit skeptical about the scale – one 27-seater bus for an entire estate seems limited. The auction idea is brilliant though; it turns gifts into social impact. Would love to see more such innovative governance.
E-Upahaar is a great concept – I know someone who bought a gift in the first edition and they were thrilled. The fact that proceeds go to social causes makes it even better. The bus service is nice for the President's Estate staff, but I hope the government also focuses on improving public transport for all citizens, especially
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