Patna: The Bihar government has announced a new plan to make travelling to famous tourist and religious places easier and more affordable for everyone. From February, the state’s transport department will start running electric and CNG buses from Patna to 40 important destinations across Bihar. With ticket prices starting at just Rs 150, people will no longer have to depend on private vehicles or expensive tour packages to visit places such as Bodh Gaya, Sasaram and Valmikinagar. The government says this step will help lakhs of people and give a strong boost to tourism in the state.
Under this scheme, direct bus services will be started from Patna to many districts and tourist centres, including Kaimur, Bodh Gaya, Nawada, Sasaram, Bettiah, Banka and the Valmiki Tiger Reserve area. These routes are being chosen based on the number of visitors, religious importance and travel demand. The Bihar State Road Transport Corporation has been asked to survey all major tourist spots so that buses can run on routes that save time and are convenient for passengers. This will also make inter-district travel easier for local people.
The government has said that fares will be kept low so that people from all income groups can use these services. Non-AC buses are expected to cost between Rs 150 and Rs 600, while AC buses may charge between Rs 200 and Rs 700, depending on the distance. The final fare will be decided by the government, but officials have clearly said that the aim is to ensure that visiting tourist places does not become a burden on the common person’s pocket.
Another important part of the plan is the use of electric and CNG buses. Many of the existing buses in Bihar are old and in poor condition. By introducing new environment-friendly buses, the government hopes to reduce pollution and lower fuel costs. Transport department officials have said that these buses will be better for the environment and also more reliable for long-distance travel to tourist destinations.
To make the journey comfortable and tourist-friendly, the buses will be equipped with modern facilities. Passengers can expect comfortable seats, space for luggage, mobile charging points and music or video screens. Some buses may also have seat belts, first-aid kits and bottled water. Trained drivers and support staff will be appointed to ensure safe and smooth travel, especially for tourists who are new to the state.
Bihar already attracts a large number of visitors every year. In 2024, the state received more than 6 crore domestic tourists and over 7 lakh foreign tourists. The government believes that better transport facilities will increase these numbers further. In the coming years, more buses will be added to the fleet, creating new jobs and improving connectivity. Officials say this initiative will help Bihar’s religious and historical sites gain greater recognition and make tourism a key driver of development in the state.
