Patna: In a major initiative to boost tourism and enhance convenience for travelers, the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) has launched new inter-state and inter-district luxury bus services from Patna to Siliguri and Thawwa. The services, introduced under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, aim to make travel to Northeast India and North Bihar’s religious and tourist destinations easier, affordable, and comfortable.
These bus services will particularly benefit Bihari tourists visiting popular hill stations such as Sikkim, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Pelling, Lachung-Lachen, Gurudongmar Lake, and Yumthang Valley, as well as devotees traveling to the famous Thawwa Temple in Gopalganj.
Bus Routes and Timings
BSTDC has introduced two major routes:
1. Patna – Siliguri Route:
The service operates 2×2 luxury sleeper buses, departing from R Block, Patna at 7:30 PM, passing through Purnia and Kishanganj (via Hajipur, Muzaffarpur, and Darbhanga) before reaching Siliguri.
The return journey from Siliguri to Patna starts at 6:30 PM, via Kishanganj and Purnia.
Ticket Price: ₹900 per passenger.
2. Patna – Thawwa (Gopalganj) Route:
The service operates a 2×2 luxury seater bus, departing from R Block, Patna at 3:30 PM, passing through Masarkh, Malmalia, and Siwan to Thawwa and Gopalganj.
The return journey begins at 5:40 AM from Gopalganj to Patna.
Ticket Price: ₹250 per passenger.
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Benefits of the New Bus Services
The newly launched bus services will significantly enhance accessibility to Northeast India’s key tourist destinations and North Bihar’s religious sites. Bihari tourists can now avoid lengthy train journeys or expensive flights, traveling directly by luxury bus to their destinations.
For devotees visiting the Thawwa Temple in Gopalganj, the service provides a more convenient, economical, and less tiring travel option. The initiative is expected to boost tourism and pilgrimage activities across the state.
Future Expansion Plans
According to Nand Kishore, General Manager of BSTDC, these services mark the first direct bus operations initiated by the Bihar government on these routes. Earlier, passengers had to rely on private operators, often requiring multiple bus changes.
He added that depending on the increase in tourist numbers, the fleet on these routes may be expanded in the future. Travelers can book tickets or get information by contacting the tourism department’s toll-free number: 8544418314.
This initiative by BSTDC reflects the government’s focus on promoting tourism, improving connectivity, and providing affordable travel options to tourists and pilgrims across Bihar.
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