Patna: Bihar’s Pink Bus Service, a flagship initiative aimed at improving the safety and accessibility of public transport for women, has been selected for the prestigious SKOCH Award 2026.
The service, operated by the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC), was chosen following multiple stages of evaluation conducted by the Skoch Group. The award is scheduled to be presented during the 108th Skoch Summit in New Delhi on June 20.
The recognition marks a significant milestone for the state’s efforts to promote women-friendly public transportation and strengthen mobility options for female passengers.
Recognition For Women-Centric Public Transport
The SKOCH Awards are among India’s leading independent honours for excellence in governance, innovation, public service and development initiatives.
Bihar’s Pink Bus Service has been recognised for its contribution to providing safe, accessible and dignified transport facilities exclusively designed to meet the needs of women commuters.
Officials said the initiative has helped improve confidence among women using public transport while offering a reliable commuting option for students, working professionals and other passengers.
Fleet Operating Across Six Cities
The Pink Bus Service currently operates a fleet of 100 buses across major urban centres, including Patna, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, Bhagalpur and Purnia.
The service was introduced as part of the state government’s broader efforts to improve public transport infrastructure while addressing concerns related to women’s safety and mobility.
According to the Transport Department, thousands of women use the service every day for educational, professional and personal travel.
State Government Welcomes Achievement
Transport Secretary Raj Kumar described the award selection as a matter of pride for Bihar and said it reflected the government’s commitment to women’s safety, convenience and empowerment.
He said the recognition was the result of the collective efforts of the Transport Department and the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation in expanding citizen-centric transport services.
“The selection of the Pink Bus Service for the Skoch Award is a significant achievement for Bihar. It highlights our commitment to providing safe and accessible transport facilities for women,” Kumar said.
He added that the government would continue to focus on expanding modern, reliable and inclusive public transport services across the state.
Officials said the award would further encourage efforts to strengthen women-friendly transport initiatives and improve the overall quality of public mobility in Bihar.
