Patna: Hundreds of special buses have been deployed to cope with the Holi travel rush, as rail and air tickets become scarce. At the interstate bus terminal in Bairia ISBT, operators are running additional services to destinations including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
On Monday, 100 extra buses departed from the terminal as passengers seeking to return home for the festival continued to arrive with online bookings. Most services called at local stops such as Patna-Masaurhi Mod, Pahadi, Zero Mile and Brahmadev Sthan, reflecting the wider scramble for transport during the holiday period.
Sunil Kumar, manager of the Patliputra Bus Terminal, said bus operations had been expanded to meet demand. “In view of the rush, we have operated 100 additional buses,” he stated.
According to terminal data, 830 buses were in service on the day – significantly above the usual range of 700 to 730. Private operators are selling tickets both online and at counters, while temporary arrangements for passenger accommodation have been made within the terminal grounds. A help desk remains open.
Security measures include CCTV surveillance, and facilities such as drinking water, toilets and lighting are available. Long-distance buses generally run between noon and 8pm, though services also depart throughout the day for districts across Bihar.
The surge in travel highlights the recurring seasonal pressures on India’s transport infrastructure as millions return to their hometowns for major festivals. Officials say extra services will continue in the coming days to manage passenger demand.
