For the nation: Uttarakhand autos and taxis offer free rides to soldiers

Indian Army

In a stirring display of solidarity, auto and taxi drivers across Uttarakhand have begun offering free rides to soldiers heading back to duty, as India faces tensions with Pakistan.

The initiative, which has gained traction particularly in the Chamoli district, was launched spontaneously by local drivers who wished to express their gratitude to the armed forces. “It’s a small gesture for those who do so much for us,” one driver told the TOI.

In Dehradun, nearly 100 auto-rickshaw drivers have joined the initiative, providing complimentary transportation from key city points such as the railway station and Rispana bridge. Vehicles participating in the effort display stickers indicating the free service. Pankaj Arora, president of the Doon Auto-rickshaw Union, informed the TOI that the service commenced three days ago following the onset of Operation Sindoor.

In the hilly district of Pithoragarh, taxi driver Bhupendra Singh has been providing free rides to Delhi for soldiers whose leaves were abruptly canceled. Singh, son of a decorated war veteran who served in the 1962 and 1971 wars, expressed his motivation to The New Indian Express: “When I saw on television last night that a war-like situation was developing between India and Pakistan and soldiers' leaves were being cancelled, I made this resolve to offer a small transport service for the sake of national service.”

Singh estimates that he has transported over 50 army personnel from various locations in Pithoragarh to Delhi without charging any fare. His commitment is deeply personal, as his son currently serves in the Indian Army. “I am happy that I am a soldier's son and my son is also a soldier. Although I harboured a strong desire to serve the nation as an army officer myself, by contributing through my travel business, I stand with the Indian Army today,” Singh added.

Despite a ceasefire declared on Saturday, the drivers plan to continue offering free rides for at least a week to accommodate soldiers returning to their units or heading back home.

The move comes as the country witnesses an uptick in military deployments to border areas, with soldiers travelling from their hometowns back to posts. For many, the free rides provide both practical assistance and a morale boost during a challenging period.