Patna: Public transport in six major Bihar cities is set for an expansion with 400 electric buses planned under the PM E-Bus Scheme, as the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) steps up preparations for their operation.
Of the total fleet, Patna will receive 150 buses, while Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, Purnia and Darbhanga will each receive 50 electric buses.
The introduction of the buses is expected to provide commuters with an additional public transport option while supporting efforts to reduce dependence on conventional fuel-powered vehicles and lower urban emissions.
200 Nine-Metre and 200 Twelve-Metre Buses
According to the plan, the 400 buses will be divided equally between two categories — 200 buses measuring nine metres and 200 measuring 12 metres.
Patna will receive 75 nine-metre and 75 twelve-metre buses.
Each of the other five cities — Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, Purnia and Darbhanga — will receive 25 nine-metre and 25 twelve-metre buses.
The distribution has been planned according to the expected requirements of different cities and their public transport networks.
Charging Infrastructure Being Developed
The rollout of electric buses also requires dedicated charging infrastructure. Preparations for charging stations are therefore being carried out alongside the fleet expansion.
A charging station has already been completed at the Patna depot, while construction in Muzaffarpur is in its final stage. Work on charging facilities is also underway in the other cities.
Patna to Expand Existing E-Bus Network
Patna already has an electric bus service operating on different routes. According to the report, 25 e-buses are currently in operation, including five pink e-buses.
Another 25 electric buses have reached Patna, with their operation expected to begin soon.
The additional buses are expected to expand connectivity for daily commuters across the capital.
Six Cities Set for Public Transport Expansion
The planned rollout will expand electric public transport infrastructure across Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, Purnia and Darbhanga.
The expansion could provide commuters with more public transport options and potentially reduce dependence on private vehicles and diesel-powered buses.
The next phase will depend on the completion of the required charging infrastructure and the operational rollout of the buses.
