State to roll out 299 interstate buses for festivals
Patna: To ease festival travel for migrants and improve interstate connectivity, CM Nitish Kumar on Thursday announced that the Bihar govt will operate 299 buses connecting the state to major destinations in neighbouring states.
The initiative is expected to address the long-standing difficulties faced by migrant workers and residents returning home during major festivals such as Chhath, Holi, Diwali and Durga Puja.
Taking to X, the CM wrote, "People from Bihar return home in large numbers from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and West Bengal during various festivals, especially Chhath, Holi, Diwali and Durga Puja. They face difficulties travelling to Bihar during these times.
To ease their journey and provide convenience, our govt is making continuous efforts. As part of this, the state government will operate 299 AC and non-AC buses on inter-state routes connected to Bihar.
"
This plan was formally approved during the cabinet meeting held on June 24. The CM added that the govt will request the Centre to run additional special trains during the festive period to further support travel demands.
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Of the total 299 buses, 75 air-conditioned deluxe and 74 non-AC deluxe buses will be procured by the state govt at a cost of Rs 105 crore. An additional 150 AC buses will be operated under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
According to an official release from the transport department, the buses will primarily operate on routes to Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and West Bengal. "This will provide safer, more accessible, and more reliable public transport for citizens, especially migrant workers," the statement said.
Transport secretary Sandeep Kumar R Pudkalkatti said the enhanced bus services would strengthen interstate public transport through the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC). "The operation of modern and comfortable buses will make travel more convenient, safe, and affordable. It will also generate local employment opportunities," he said.
He added that the daily passenger capacity of the newly introduced fleet — comprising 75 AC and 74 non-AC deluxe buses — will be around 6,000. Additionally, 150 more AC buses are expected to be operational during peak seasons such as Durga Puja, Chhath and Holi.
At present, BSRTC operates 17 buses to Ranchi and two to Jamshedpur. The new additions are expected to vastly expand the reach and efficiency of Bihar's interstate public transport system.
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