Patna: The number of women passengers using Bihar’s pink bus service has risen sharply, growing sixfold in just two months, according to new figures from the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC).
While around 5,000 women used the service in May 2025, the number surged to more than 28,000 in June. In total, over 33,000 women have travelled on the service across the state in the last two months. Patna district accounts for the highest ridership, with more than 21,000 female passengers.
The pink buses, launched to offer safe and reliable transport for women, are increasingly being used by working professionals and students. In districts such as Bhagalpur, Purnia, Gaya and Darbhanga, over 7,000 women have used the buses since May, with numbers growing steadily, BSRTC said.
Currently, 20 CNG-powered pink buses are operating in the state, including eight in Patna, four in Muzaffarpur, and two each in Bhagalpur, Gaya, Darbhanga and Purnia. In response to the rising demand, BSRTC is preparing to roll out 80 additional pink buses by the end of August—35 of which are designated for Patna.
To ensure safe and comfortable travel, the buses are equipped with GPS, CCTV cameras, panic buttons, charging points, and female conductors. Sanitary pad vending machines and medical kits will also be added soon. The corporation also plans to organise camps across Patna colleges to issue pink bus passes and will conduct residential training for women drivers in two phases.
