Patna: The Bihar government has announced plans to expand the number of CNG buses in the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) fleet to promote pollution-free public transportation. Transport Minister Shravan Kumar, during a departmental review meeting on Monday, instructed officials to enhance the number of environmentally friendly buses, while ensuring operational efficiency across the state.
Currently, BSRTC operates a total of 840 buses, including 646 under direct corporation management and 194 under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Of these, 266 buses run on CNG, 25 on electricity, and the remaining 593 are modernized diesel buses. The transport department has begun preliminary discussions on procuring new CNG buses to meet the rising demand and further reduce the state’s carbon footprint.
Extensive Network Across Six Divisions
BSRTC provides regular bus services on 187 routes across six divisions in Bihar. Additionally, 14 buses connect the state with neighboring regions, enhancing interstate mobility. Key routes include Muzaffarpur-Ranchi and Gaya-Varanasi, where two buses operate on each route, and the Gaya-Ranchi route, which has 10 daily buses. This expansion not only benefits local commuters but also facilitates smoother travel for passengers from neighboring states like Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh.
Dedicated Services for Women
To ensure safe and convenient travel for female passengers, BSRTC currently operates 100 “Pink Buses” running on CNG. These buses are equipped with sanitary pad vending machines (pads available at just ₹5), panic buttons, CCTV cameras, GPS tracking, mobile charging points, microphones, music systems, and even contraceptives. The distribution plan includes 30 buses in Patna, 20 in Muzaffarpur, 15 each in Gaya and Darbhanga, and 10 each in Purnia and Bhagalpur.
Commuters Appreciate Cost-Effective and Reliable Travel
Commuters have praised the service for affordability and convenience. Aman Kumar Pandey, a resident of Jagdev Path, Patna, noted that bus fares are almost half the cost of auto rides, and buses run at convenient half-hour intervals. Similarly, Kamalakar Upadhyay, who frequently travels between Darbhanga and Patna, appreciated the punctuality, comfort, and cleanliness of AC buses, especially during the summer. With the increase in bus numbers, travel has become faster and more convenient for passengers.
BSRTC: Driving Sustainable Transport in Bihar
The Bihar State Road Transport Corporation continues to play a pivotal role in providing safe, reliable, and eco-friendly transportation across the state. By gradually expanding its CNG and electric bus fleet, the corporation aims to reduce environmental impact while improving commuter convenience, affordability, and accessibility.
