Patna: The Bihar government is set to expand its women-centric pink bus service across all district headquarters by September, in a major push towards safe and inclusive transport for women. The state’s transport department has initiated the procurement of 80 new pink buses, with 35 slated for operation in the capital, Patna. The remaining vehicles will serve other major districts across the state.
The move follows the positive reception of 20 CNG-powered pink buses currently operational in five cities, including Patna, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Purnia and Darbhanga. These buses, which run from 7am to 8pm, serve 1,500 to 2,000 women passengers daily.
Each pink bus will come equipped with sanitary pads, medical kits, CCTV cameras, panic buttons, mobile charging points, and GPS tracking systems — all tailored to enhance women’s safety and comfort.
A unique aspect of the initiative is its focus on women-led operations. In the first phase, 500 women will be trained as drivers. The Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) has nearly completed preparations for this training programme. Additionally, the conductors, nodal officers, and assistant nodal officers managing the services are all women.
Mamta Kumari, a nodal officer and regular commuter, said the dedicated service has brought significant relief to working women and students. “This bus has been a blessing. It’s not just a mode of transport but a step towards empowerment,” she said.
Assistant nodal officer Kumari Birbala echoed the sentiment. “As a woman, it’s a matter of pride to be part of a project designed for women, by women. We regularly interact with passengers and consider their feedback to improve the service,” she said.
BSRTC has announced plans to conduct special camps across colleges in Patna to facilitate the issuance of pink bus passes for students, further extending the service’s reach.
