Patna: Bihar is beginning a new chapter in women’s empowerment with the launch of its pink bus driving programme. Soon, women from marginalised communities will be seen driving pink buses across the roads of Patna. The aim of the scheme is to improve safety for female passengers while also providing stable jobs to women who have traditionally had fewer opportunities. The Transport Department is rolling out the plan in phases, starting with the capital city.
In the first phase, six women have been selected after meeting the required driving qualifications. They are Aarti Kumari, Ragini Kumari, Anita Kumari, Saraswati Kumari, Gayatri Kumari and Baby Kumari. Each of them already holds a valid heavy or light motor vehicle licence. They are currently undergoing special training at the Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR) in Aurangabad, where they are learning traffic rules, road safety, bus operations and emergency handling.
After completing the training, the women will be formally appointed by Transport Minister Shravan Kumar at a programme at Adhiveshan Bhawan in Patna on February 14. According to the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC), this move is expected to make public transport more reliable and comfortable for women. At present, around 100 pink buses in Bihar already have female conductors. With women drivers joining the service, it will become completely women-run.
Officials also revealed that 13 more women are currently receiving heavy vehicle driving training at IDTR and may be given driving responsibilities in the future. The state government has also proposed setting up new driving training centres in Supaul, Banka, Motihari and Nalanda. These centres will help more women and young people gain professional skills and secure employment. Experts say this initiative will not only change lives but also challenge old beliefs about women’s roles in society.
