Patna: The transport department in Bihar has announced restrictions on public transport operations during peak afternoon hours as the state braces for increasingly severe heatwaves.
Under the new measures, the movement of public vehicles will be curtailed between 11am and 3.30pm, with authorities stating that the decision has been taken to safeguard both passengers and drivers from extreme temperatures. Only a limited number of vehicles will be permitted to operate during this period, and only in cases deemed absolutely necessary.
The department said it will prioritise safety by ensuring that all buses are equipped with drinking water, oral rehydration solution (ORS) and first-aid kits to deal with heat-related emergencies.
Officials have also instructed bus operators and depot managers to provide basic relief facilities at bus stands, including drinking water and electric fans, in an effort to reduce discomfort for commuters and transport workers during the ongoing heat conditions.
