Patna: The Bihar government is set to start direct inter-state bus services to Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan after the festival of Holi, bringing welcome relief to thousands of passengers. Every year, especially during festivals, people face serious problems due to the non-availability of train tickets and the high fares charged by private bus operators. The new government-run bus service aims to make long-distance travel easier, safer and more affordable for people travelling from Bihar to major cities in North India.
According to officials, around 150 new buses will be introduced under this plan. These buses will be operated mainly by the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC), while some services may run under a public-private partnership model. The process of purchasing the buses and completing inter-state agreements is already under way. At present, temporary permissions have been given to operate buses during big festivals such as Holi and Chhath, but the government is working towards making these services permanent in the near future.
Delhi will be the main focus of the new bus network, as it is one of the most common destinations for people from Bihar. Direct bus services to Delhi and Gurugram are planned from districts such as Forbesganj, Kishanganj, Purnea, Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, Bettiah, Motihari, Chhapra, Gopalganj and Bihar Sharif. In the coming months, permanent services are also expected to start from major cities including Patna, Darbhanga, Madhubani and Ara, ensuring better connectivity for passengers from both north and central Bihar.
The new bus services are expected to be especially helpful for labourers, students and working professionals who travel frequently between Bihar and other states. When train seats are not available, these buses will offer a dependable alternative without the uncertainty and overcrowding often faced during festival seasons. Fixed schedules, reasonable fares and improved safety standards are expected to make travel more comfortable for passengers.
Bihar already runs inter-state bus services to states such as Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, with regular routes to cities like Kolkata and Siliguri. The inclusion of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan marks a significant expansion of the state’s transport network. Officials believe that the new services will not only benefit passengers but also strengthen economic and social links between Bihar and the rest of North India.
