Patna: The Bihar government has announced an increase in the honorarium and an extension of service for retired army personnel serving as drivers in the state police, a move aimed at strengthening emergency services.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said on Thursday that the retired military drivers, who were initially scheduled to serve until March 2026, will now continue in their roles until the end of the 2026–27 financial year. Their monthly honorarium has been raised from Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000, along with an annual uniform allowance of Rs 4,000.
“These experienced drivers have been the backbone of our police system, especially in emergency situations,” Choudhary said. “Extending their service ensures the smooth functioning of critical services such as the 112 emergency helpline.”
Under the Emergency Response Support System project, a total of 4,426 driver posts are sanctioned, including 3,418 driver constables and 1,008 driver head constables. While recruitment for these positions is ongoing, training and onboarding are expected to take time, making the extension of retired drivers’ service essential, officials said.
The government estimates that the extension will cost around Rs 161.18 crore. In recent months, the state has also approved new infrastructure for police services, including an SP office in East Champaran, a protected office and armory at Dehri police station in Rohtas, and a 200-bed barracks for women police officers in Lakhisarai.
Choudhary emphasised that the state administration, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, is focused on modernising and strengthening the police system to ensure public safety and efficient emergency response.
