Patna: The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) has launched two inter-state and one inter-district luxury bus service under a public–private partnership in a move aimed at boosting tourism and easing long-distance travel for passengers.
Officials said the new routes will make journeys to the northeast and north Bihar’s pilgrimage hubs cheaper, smoother and considerably less complicated, replacing the earlier reliance on multiple private buses.
Direct Patna–Siliguri service for northeast-bound travellers
One of the headline additions is a 2×2 luxury sleeper bus connecting Patna and Siliguri.
The service departs from R-Block, Patna at 7.30 pm daily, travelling via Hajipur, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Purnia and Kishanganj.
The return bus leaves Siliguri at 6.30 pm.
The fare has been set at Rs. 900 per passenger, which BSTDC officials described as “remarkably affordable” for a long cross-state route providing sleeper berths, improved hygiene and enhanced safety checks.
The corridor now gives travellers easy access to some of the northeast’s most visited destinations including Gangtok, Darjeeling, Pelling, Lachen–Lachung, Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang Valley—places that previously required long train journeys or costly flights.
New Patna–Thawe–Gopalganj route brings relief to pilgrims
A second route connects Patna to Thawe and Gopalganj, home to the renowned Thawe Shaktipeeth.
This 2×2 seater luxury bus departs from R-Block at 3.30 pm daily, travelling via Masrakh, Malmalia and Siwan.
The return service begins from Gopalganj at 5.40 am.
The fare is fixed at Rs. 250, a substantial reduction compared with the cost and inconvenience of switching between private operators. The direct link is expected to significantly benefit pilgrims, daily commuters and families.
“First time direct luxury buses on these routes,” says official
Nand Kishor, BSTDC’s general manager, said the new launch marks a first for the state:
“For the first time, the Bihar government is operating direct luxury buses on these routes. Earlier, passengers had to rely on private services and change buses multiple times, making the journey exhausting. Now the entire trip can be completed in one vehicle.”
He added that more buses will be added as passenger demand increases.
Booking and helpline
Passengers can obtain information or reserve seats via the tourism department’s dedicated helpline: 8544418314.
Tourism push gains momentum
Officials say the new services are expected not only to improve travel comfort but also to accelerate tourism across Bihar by linking the state more seamlessly with the Himalayan belt and local pilgrimage clusters.
