Patna: Bihar is expanding its Pink Bus Service for women beyond the capital, with the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) set to start a direct AC bus between Patna and Hulasganj in Jehanabad district from September 21.
The new service is designed to provide women with a safer and more comfortable public transport option on the Patna-Jehanabad-Masaurhi route. The proposed route has already undergone a successful trial, and regular operations will begin with one AC Pink Bus.
The bus will operate from Gandhi Maidan in Patna, connecting passengers with several important stops before reaching Hulasganj.
AC Pink Bus to Connect Patna With Hulasganj
The expansion takes the Pink Bus Service beyond Patna and into nearby towns, potentially making daily travel easier for women who commute between the capital and surrounding areas.
According to BSRTC, the initial operation will have one AC Pink Bus on the route. The corporation will consider increasing the number of buses based on passenger demand and travel requirements.
The service is particularly expected to benefit women and girl students who regularly travel between Patna, Masaurhi and Jehanabad.
By providing a dedicated service, the corporation is seeking to create a more convenient travel option for female passengers making regular journeys for education, work and other purposes.
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Women-Only Travel on the New Route
The new Pink Bus will be exclusively available for women passengers. The service is part of the transport corporation’s efforts to provide women with a dedicated public transport option offering greater comfort during inter-city travel.
Unlike a service limited to the city, the new route extends towards Jehanabad district, allowing the Pink Bus network to serve passengers travelling between Patna and nearby urban and semi-urban areas.
The route will also cover several locations that see regular movement of passengers between Patna and Jehanabad.
Patna-Hulasganj Fare Set at ₹155
BSRTC has announced the fare structure for the new service. The full journey from Patna to Hulasganj will cost ₹155.
The fare for major stops along the route has been fixed as follows:
- Patna to Zero Mile – ₹25
- ISBT – ₹30
- Sampatchak – ₹40
- Beldari Chak – ₹61
- Bir – ₹71
- Dhanarua – ₹82
- Kolhachak – ₹91
- Masaurhi – ₹104
- Jehanabad – ₹120
- Hulasganj – ₹155
The fare structure gives passengers the option to use the Pink Bus for shorter portions of the route instead of travelling all the way to Hulasganj.
Service to Benefit Daily Commuters
The Patna-Jehanabad-Masaurhi corridor is used by people travelling regularly for education, employment, business and other daily requirements.
For women and students travelling on this route, the introduction of a dedicated AC bus could provide an additional public transport choice between the capital and surrounding areas.
The service will also connect Hulasganj directly with Patna, reducing the need for women passengers to depend on multiple transport options for the journey.
BSRTC’s decision to begin with one bus also allows the corporation to assess actual passenger demand before expanding the service.
More Pink Buses May Be Added
The corporation has indicated that the number of buses on the route may increase in the future depending on passenger demand and requirements.
This approach could allow BSRTC to adjust the service according to actual travel patterns. If the route receives a strong response, additional buses could be introduced to increase frequency and accommodate more passengers.
The successful completion of the route trial has cleared the way for regular operations from September 21.
Pink Bus Network Moves Beyond the Capital
The expansion is significant because the Pink Bus Service is no longer limited to travel within Patna. Extending the service towards Hulasganj creates a wider connection between the capital and neighbouring areas.
For women living in towns and communities along the route, access to a dedicated AC bus can add another option for travelling to Patna and other connected locations.
The initiative also reflects the wider role of public transport in improving access to education and employment. Reliable connectivity can be particularly important for women who depend on public transport for regular commuting.
Focus on Safer and More Comfortable Mobility
The expansion of the Pink Bus Service combines two practical priorities: women-focused mobility and improved travel comfort.
With the Patna-Hulasganj AC service scheduled to begin on September 21, BSRTC will initially monitor passenger demand and operational requirements on the route. Future expansion will depend on how the service performs and the needs of commuters.
For women and girl students travelling regularly between Patna, Masaurhi and Jehanabad, the new service is expected to provide a dedicated travel option with a clearly defined fare structure and direct connectivity.
The expansion therefore adds a new inter-city dimension to Bihar’s women-focused public transport network while strengthening connectivity between Patna and neighbouring areas.
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