Patna: People travelling by bus in Bihar may soon experience facilities similar to those available at airports and large railway stations. The Bihar transport department has announced a major plan to build modern international-standard bus stands in 16 districts across the state. The project will be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and aims to improve comfort, safety and convenience for passengers who rely heavily on bus transport for daily and long-distance travel.
Officials said the new bus terminals will be constructed in districts other than the nine divisional headquarters of Patna, Muzaffarpur, Chapra, Darbhanga, Saharsa, Purnia, Bhagalpur, Munger and Gaya, where transport infrastructure projects are already being developed. The government has decided to begin the scheme in phases, and in the first stage, 16 districts have been selected for construction. The transport department is expected to invite applications from private companies and developers soon, with the aim of starting work within the next month.
According to the department, the upcoming bus stands will be much more advanced than traditional bus depots seen in many parts of the state today. Each complex will have at least a Ground-plus-Five-floor structure equipped with modern facilities for passengers. Two floors of the buildings will contain fully air-conditioned waiting halls where travellers can sit comfortably while waiting for buses. Separate waiting rooms will also be arranged for women and elderly passengers to ensure greater comfort and security.
The government has also focused on emergency and healthcare facilities in the project. Every bus terminal will include arrangements for ambulances and doctors so that passengers can receive immediate medical assistance during emergencies. Officials said that if someone falls seriously ill at the bus stand, free transport services will also be provided to take them to nearby hospitals. Authorities believe these services will make bus travel safer, especially for elderly people, women and families travelling long distances.
Security and overnight accommodation are also part of the transport department’s plan. A special secure waiting room will be built for passengers who are forced to stay overnight because of delayed or late-night buses. Officials said many travellers currently face difficulties due to a lack of safe spaces at bus stands, and the new system is expected to solve that problem. The government wants these terminals to provide facilities similar to airports and railway stations, giving passengers a cleaner and more organised travel experience.
Rajkumar, secretary of the Bihar transport department, said bus stands are already under construction in divisional headquarters districts, while the remaining districts will now receive modern bus terminals under the PPP model. He added that the government’s aim is to ensure that passengers across Bihar receive better services and more comfortable travel facilities. Officials also expect the project to attract private investment and create new business opportunities around the bus terminals.
